What is an idiom?
According to Oxford, an idiom is “a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words” (e.g., “raining cats and dogs” or “see the light”).
In nearly half a century of life, I’ve encountered some idioms that don’t seem to make much sense to me. Let’s take a closer look at two of them:
1. Off the Wagon
The traditional meaning of this phrase, according to Wiktionary.org, is:
“No longer maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from an undesirable habit, especially drinking alcohol.”
For example:
“She kept up her diet for an entire month before ‘falling off the wagon.’”
When I think of being “on the wagon,” my mind drifts to the image of pioneers in the game Oregon Trail, riding westward to establish a new settlement. To me, being “on the wagon” evokes the idea of having a nice, easy, and even fun ride, as opposed to the hard work of walking beside it.
So, when I hear someone say they’ve “fallen off the wagon,” it sounds like they’re stepping up their game—choosing to work harder or make disciplined decisions. Wouldn’t being “on the wagon” suggest taking the easy way out?
For example:
Isn’t it easier to eat whatever you want if someone is dieting? Shouldn’t failing your diet mean you’re “back on the wagon,” indulging in comfort and convenience?
Similarly, if you’ve relapsed into drinking after deciding to quit, wouldn’t that mean you’re “back on the wagon” because drinking is often seen as the easier path?
To me, it seems backward! Falling off the wagon should signify effort and discipline, not the opposite.
2. That Kicks Ass
The traditional meaning of this phrase is less formal but widely understood to mean something great or impressive. For example:
“The closers kicked ass last night and left the restaurant spotless for us this morning.”
Here’s the thing: when I hear “that kicks ass,” I think about all the times I’ve gotten my ass kicked—and trust me, it was never a good experience.
Why do we use a phrase tied to pain or defeat to describe something awesome? If getting your ass kicked is unpleasant, shouldn’t this idiom have a negative connotation?
What Do You Think?
What are some idioms or phrases that don’t make sense to you? Are there any sayings that you think we, as a culture, have gotten wrong? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
