The English language is replete with idioms, groups of words that mean something altogether different than the definition of their individual words.
For instance, we might say “It’s raining cats and dogs” to describe heavy rainfall. We don’t literally mean that Fluffy and Fido are falling from the sky (although you might be surprised to learn that’s exactly how this idiom originated, but I’ll save that one for another post).
Let’s take a look at three idioms related to color: Red tape, green thumb, and in the pink.
Red tape:
Everyone knows this is what government entities have in abundance. It’s the lengthy, sometimes excessive figurative hoops you have to jump through to get something approved.
But did you know the idiom has been around since the early 16th century? Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, is believed to have initiated the literal red tape when he began using red binding around official documents to designate the most urgent matters.
Green thumb:
Today, if you have a green thumb, it means you have great skill in gardening.
In the days of King Edward I of England, however, it meant that you had spent countless hours shelling fresh, green peas which were the king’s favorite. It is believed that the king awarded prizes to the workers who shelled the most peas. The job must surely have left their thumbs with a green stain.
In the pink:
Nowadays, if you’re feeling in the pink, it means you are in the best of health.
But, in Shakespeare’s day, it meant the ultimate pinnacle of something. One example is from the Bard’s “Romeo and Juliet” when Mercutio says: “I am the very pink of courtesy.” Mercutio, probably somewhat tongue in cheek, is saying he is the finest example of someone who is courteous.
What other color idioms can you think of?
So fun! I love the English language!