Origin:
This phrase originates from British pubs where the phrase was used to announce the closing time, symbolizing the act of ending an activity.

Meaning:
To end or stop an activity.

Usage:

1. The coach called time on the practice session.
2. They called time on the meeting after several hours of discussion.
3. She called time on her career in teaching.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"End," "Finish," "Cease."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the act of officially ending something, such as a session, event, or activity. The connection to "time" (as a measurable period) and "calling" (announcing) is direct and contextual, making it a straightforward and literal expression.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of humbly asking for something, similar to a beggar holding out a cap.

Meaning:
To ask for something humbly or submissively.

Usage:

1. He went cap in hand to his boss, asking for a raise.
2. She approached the bank cap in hand for a loan.
3. They came cap in hand to seek forgiveness from the community.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Humbly request," "Submissive appeal," "Begging."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of humbly asking for something, usually money or a favor, often implying a gesture of humility or submission. While it could have some figurative meaning in certain contexts, it is more clearly tied to the literal image of holding a cap in hand, symbolizing a request or plea.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of having influence or importance.

Meaning:
To have influence or importance.

Usage:

1. His opinion carries a lot of weight in the industry.
2. The expert's recommendations carry weight with policymakers.
3. Her words carry weight in the community.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Have influence," "Be influential," "Hold sway."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of holding significance or influence, especially in a decision-making process. While it can have a metaphorical meaning in certain contexts, the connection to "weight" (as something heavy or significant) is direct, and the phrase is commonly used to refer to something that holds importance or impact.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the mid-20th century, symbolizing an example that supports or illustrates a point.

Meaning:
An example that supports or illustrates a point.

Usage:

1. The recent success of the campaign is a case in point for their effective strategy.
2. She mentioned several problems, with the latest incident being a case in point.
3. The rise in online sales during the pandemic is a case in point for the shift to e-commerce.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Example," "Illustration," "Proof."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a clear example or instance used to illustrate a point. While the phrase is used in a metaphorical sense, the connection to "case" (as an instance or example) and "point" (as an argument or point to be made) is direct, making it a straightforward expression tied to its context.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 20th century, symbolizing the condition of having very little money.

Meaning:
Lacking money; financially tight.

Usage:

1. The cash-strapped company had to lay off several employees.
2. Being a cash-strapped student, he couldn't afford the trip.
3. They were cash-strapped and couldn't pay their bills on time.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Broke," "Financially tight," "Short on cash."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of lacking money or being financially tight. While it could be metaphorically understood, the phrase directly connects the idea of being "strapped" (or in a situation of constraint) to cash (money), which makes it more literal in its context.

Origin:
This phrase refers to soaking up the sun’s rays.

Meaning:
To get some sunshine.

Usage:

1. They went to the beach to catch some rays.
2. She likes to catch some rays in her backyard.
3. He took a break to catch some rays during lunch.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Sunbathe", "Get some sun", "Soak up the sun"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to sunbathe or enjoy the sunlight. The meaning is directly tied to the individual words and refers literally to catching sunlight, making it more of a contextual phrase than a figurative expression.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of approaching someone when they are busy or preoccupied.

Meaning:
To approach someone when they are busy or preoccupied.

Usage:

1. She caught him at a bad time when he was rushing to a meeting.
2. I'm sorry to catch you at a bad time, but I need to talk to you.
3. He realized he had caught her at a bad time and offered to come back later.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Interrupt," "Disturb," "Approach at an inconvenient time."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of encountering someone when they are not prepared or available, often implying that the timing is inconvenient. While it may have figurative overtones, the meaning is closely tied to the idea of a specific moment being inappropriate or unfavorable for interaction. The connection to the literal words is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase comes from the literal need to pause and breathe deeply after exertion.

Meaning:
To rest and recover after physical exertion or a stressful situation.

Usage:

1. He paused to catch his breath after running.
2. She needed to catch her breath after the hectic day.
3. They took a moment to catch their breath before continuing.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Take a break", "Rest", "Recover"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to pausing to rest or recover after exertion. While it can be metaphorical, it is closely tied to the literal act of breathing and taking a moment to recover, making it more context-dependent.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, referring to something that visually attracts someone.

Meaning:
To attract someone's attention.

Usage:

1. The bright display caught her eye as she walked by.
2. He caught her eye across the crowded room.
3. The unique design caught their eye immediately.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Grab attention", "Attract notice", "Get noticed"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to attract someone’s attention, often in a visual or aesthetic sense. While metaphorical, it is closely tied to the literal concept of looking or seeing someone, making it more context-dependent.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 19th century, symbolizing being surprised or not prepared for something.

Meaning:
To be surprised or not prepared for something.

Usage:

1. The sudden storm caught them unawares.
2. She was caught unawares by the unexpected visitor.
3. The announcement caught everyone unawares at the meeting.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Taken by surprise," "Caught off guard," "Unprepared."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of being surprised or unprepared for something, often implying a lack of awareness in a particular situation. While it can have figurative implications, the connection to the literal words is direct in referring to a state of surprise or being taken off guard.

Origin:
This Latin phrase dates back to the Roman times and is used in legal contexts, symbolizing the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.

Meaning:
Let the buyer beware; the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchase.

Usage:

1. When buying second-hand items, remember caveat emptor.
2. Caveat emptor applies when purchasing items at a flea market.
3. The used car dealer's policy is caveat emptor.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Buyer beware," "Purchase at your own risk," "Check before you buy."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal concept of "let the buyer beware," advising that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of a product before purchasing. While it carries some metaphorical weight, the phrase's meaning is still closely tied to the actual words and its legal or commercial context. The connection to the literal words is direct.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the early 20th century, symbolizing a very low probability or likelihood.

Meaning:
A very low probability or likelihood.

Usage:

1. There's only a chance in a million that we'll win the lottery.
2. The odds of finding that rare book are a chance in a million.
3. He got the job with a chance in a million, beating hundreds of applicants.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Slim chance," "Highly unlikely," "Rare possibility."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of something happening very rarely or having a very slim probability. While it has a figurative element, the phrase’s meaning is directly tied to the notion of a low probability, expressed through the "million" figure. The connection to the literal words is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the early 20th century and is associated with the ceremonial act of changing the guard at places like Buckingham Palace, symbolizing a shift in leadership or responsibility.

Meaning:
A shift in leadership or responsibility.

Usage:

1. The changing of the guard at the company brought new policies and direction.
2. The election resulted in a changing of the guard in the local government.
3. The team's recent reorganization represents a changing of the guard.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Leadership change," "Transition of power," "Shift in authority."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal act of one group of guards being replaced by another at certain locations, such as palaces or official buildings. While it has metaphorical uses, the phrase originates from a literal action and still carries a connection to the physical act of guards changing shifts. The connection to the literal words is clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 17th century and originally referred to quoting specific parts of the Bible, symbolizing providing detailed and precise information.

Meaning:
To provide detailed and precise information.

Usage:

1. She gave chapter and verse on the regulations during the meeting.
2. He provided chapter and verse on the history of the organization.
3. They asked for chapter and verse on the new policy implementation.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Exact details," "Precise information," "Full particulars."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of providing precise, detailed information, often to support a statement. The phrase originates from referencing specific parts of a text, especially religious or legal, and is used to imply that one is citing something with exactness. The meaning is still linked to the literal words of "chapter" and "verse," often for clarification.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of relaxing or calming down.

Meaning:
To relax or calm down.

Usage:

1. They decided to chill out by the beach after a busy week.
2. She told him to chill out and stop worrying about the small stuff.
3. After the exam, he just wanted to chill out with friends.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Relax," "Unwind," "Take it easy."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of calming down or relaxing. While it can imply figurative connotations of stress relief, the meaning remains closely tied to the literal idea of reducing agitation or stress and is easily understood from the words used.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of joining a conversation or contributing an opinion.

Meaning:
To join a conversation or contribute an opinion.

Usage:

1. She chimed in with her thoughts during the meeting.
2. He waited for a pause to chime in with his opinion.
3. They all chimed in to support the proposal.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Add one's two cents," "Join in," "Contribute."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of joining in or contributing to a conversation. While it can have metaphorical nuances, the connection to the literal idea of chiming, such as bells chiming together, is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase comes from Chinese Pidgin English, where "chop-chop" means quickly.

Meaning:
Quickly, without delay.

Usage:

1. Let's finish this project, chop-chop!
2. He told them to get ready, chop-chop.
3. The coach urged the team to move, chop-chop.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Hurry up", "Quickly", "Without delay"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to do something quickly or hurry up. The phrase is directly related to the context of urging someone to act fast, making it more literal in its meaning, even though it's an idiomatic expression.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 17th century, symbolizing the rarity of special occasions and the importance of making the most of them.

Meaning:
Special occasions are rare and should be enjoyed to the fullest.

Usage:

1. Let's indulge a little; after all, Christmas comes but once a year.
2. She decided to splurge on her holiday because Christmas comes but once a year.
3. They threw a big party, reminding everyone that Christmas comes but once a year.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Seize the moment," "Once in a blue moon," "Rare opportunity."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal act of celebrating Christmas annually, but it also carries the contextual meaning of seizing rare opportunities. While it can have metaphorical implications of indulgence or generosity, the connection to the literal occurrence of Christmas is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing someone who is outstanding and highly admired.

Meaning:
Someone who is outstanding and highly admired.

Usage:

1. She handled the situation gracefully, a real class act.
2. His performance on the field was a class act.
3. They are known for their class act in customer service.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Role model," "Top-notch," "Exceptional individual."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone or something that is exceptional or outstanding in quality or behavior. While it conveys admiration, the connection between the literal words "class" and "act" and the meaning of excellence is fairly direct and contextual, making it more of a phrase than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the transformation of someone's appearance to look polished and attractive.

Meaning:
To transform one's appearance to look polished and attractive.

Usage:

1. He cleans up nicely for formal events.
2. She cleans up nicely when she dresses up for a night out.
3. They were surprised at how well he cleaned up for the wedding.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Look polished," "Dress up well," "Spruce up."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of looking presentable or well-groomed after making an effort. While it has metaphorical undertones of transformation, the connection to grooming and improving one’s appearance is direct and straightforward.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of removing obstacles or making a path clear.

Meaning:
To remove obstacles or make a path clear.

Usage:

1. The workers cleared the way for the parade.
2. She cleared the way for new opportunities by finishing her projects.
3. They cleared the way for the ambulance to pass through.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Make a path," "Remove obstacles," "Open the way."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of removing obstacles to create a path or opportunity. While it can be used metaphorically (e.g., clearing obstacles in life), the connection to the literal words is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of recording the time one starts work, typically using a time clock.

Meaning:
To record the time one starts work.

Usage:

1. Employees must clock-in when they arrive at work.
2. She forgot to clock-in this morning and had to fill out a manual time sheet.
3. They implemented a new system for employees to clock-in and out.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Sign in," "Punch in," "Record start time."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of recording the start of a work period, often by using a time clock. The meaning is directly tied to the words used, with little figurative interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 19th century, symbolizing a situation where one narrowly avoids danger or failure.

Meaning:
A situation where one narrowly avoids danger or failure.

Usage:

1. The car accident was a close call, but everyone was safe.
2. He had a close call with a serious illness but recovered quickly.
3. The team had a close call but managed to finish the project on time.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Narrow escape," "Near miss," "Close shave."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of narrowly avoiding danger or failure. While it has figurative applications, the connection to the words "close" and "call" (as in a close judgment or situation) is straightforward and clear.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the mid-20th century, symbolizing unsolicited calls made to potential customers.

Meaning:
Unsolicited calls made to potential customers.

Usage:

1. He made several cold calls to generate new business leads.
2. She dislikes receiving cold calls from telemarketers.
3. The sales team spent the afternoon making cold calls.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unsolicited calls," "Telemarketing," "Sales calls."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal act of contacting someone (usually by phone) without prior notice or an established relationship. While it can imply a business tactic, the connection to the literal words "cold" (unexpected) and "calls" (phone calls) is direct and clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing something that is unused or neglected.

Meaning:
To be unused or neglected.

Usage:

1. The old books on the shelf were collecting dust.
2. Her exercise equipment was collecting dust in the garage.
3. The project files were collecting dust in the corner.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unused," "Neglected," "Gathering dust."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of an object remaining unused for an extended period, thus gathering dust. The meaning is typically straightforward, even when applied figuratively to describe something neglected.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of taking a moment to gather one's ideas or calm down.

Meaning:
To take a moment to gather one's ideas or calm down.

Usage:

1. She needed a minute to collect her thoughts before speaking.
2. He took a walk to collect his thoughts after the meeting.
3. They allowed her some time to collect her thoughts before continuing.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Compose oneself," "Gather one's thoughts," "Regroup."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of organizing one’s thoughts or regaining focus. While it can imply mental preparation, the connection to the act of "collecting" and "thoughts" is direct and clear.

Origin:
This phrase emphasizes commitment regardless of weather conditions or obstacles.

Meaning:
Regardless of circumstances.

Usage:

1. We’ll go for a walk come rain or shine.
2. She attends the meetings come rain or shine.
3. He promised to be there come rain or shine.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"No matter what", "In any case", "Regardless of the circumstances"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means something will happen regardless of external circumstances, such as weather. The meaning is directly tied to the words "rain" and "shine," as it refers to persistence under all conditions.

Origin:
This phrase emphasizes determination or commitment, no matter the obstacles.

Meaning:
Regardless of what happens.

Usage:

1. We’ll be there for you, come what may.
   He vowed to finish the project, come what may.
   They promised to support each other, come what may.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"No matter what", "Whatever happens", "Regardless of the outcome"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means accepting whatever happens in the future, no matter the outcome. The meaning is closely tied to the individual words, as it refers to facing any event that may occur.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century, symbolizing the act of receiving just punishment or retribution.

Meaning:
Just punishment or retribution.

Usage:

1. He finally got his comeuppance for his dishonest actions.
2. She was due for a comeuppance after treating people poorly.
3. They met their comeuppance after years of corrupt dealings.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Deserved punishment," "Retribution," "Payback."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the deserved punishment or consequences of one’s actions. While often used in a figurative sense, the word "comeuppance" has a direct and clear meaning that is not heavily reliant on metaphor.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the early 20th century, symbolizing the transition from youth to adulthood.

Meaning:
The transition from youth to adulthood.

Usage:

1. The novel is a classic coming of age story.
2. His coming of age was marked by his first job.
3. They celebrated her coming of age with a special ceremony.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Maturing," "Growing up," "Reaching adulthood."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of reaching maturity or legal adulthood. While it can have symbolic implications in certain contexts, its connection to the transition into adulthood is direct and clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing shared interests or opinions.

Meaning:
Shared interests or opinions.

Usage:

1. They found common ground on the issue of climate change.
2. Despite their differences, they discovered common ground.
3. The discussion focused on finding common ground.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Shared interests," "Mutual understanding," "Agreed-upon points."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual idea of shared interests, beliefs, or values. The term "ground" is used metaphorically, but the phrase’s meaning is generally straightforward and accessible.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 19th century, symbolizing information that is widely known and accepted.

Meaning:
Information that is widely known and accepted.

Usage:

1. It's common knowledge that the Earth orbits the Sun.
2. The safety rules are common knowledge in the industry.
3. Her expertise is common knowledge among her colleagues.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"General knowledge," "Well-known fact," "Widely known."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of information being widely known or accepted. The connection to the literal meaning of "knowledge" being shared or understood by many is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase uses the imagery of a storm to describe the energetic and abundant preparation of food.

Meaning:
To prepare a large amount of food.

Usage:

1. She cooked up a storm for the family reunion.
2. They cooked up a storm for the party.
3. He cooked up a storm for the holiday feast.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Prepare a feast", "Cook a lot", "Whip up a meal"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to prepare a large quantity of food, typically with enthusiasm. The meaning is closely tied to the words “cook” and “storm,” referring to an action (cooking) performed energetically or in abundance.

Origin:
This phrase comes from the image of someone forcefully expelling something from their throat.

Meaning:
To give something, especially money, reluctantly.

Usage:

1. He had to cough up $100 for the ticket.
2. She finally coughed up the information we needed.
3. They were forced to cough up the money.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Give reluctantly", "Fork over", "Hand over"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to give or pay money, usually reluctantly. The meaning is closely tied to the words "cough" and "up," with a context of reluctantly providing something.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the mid-20th century, symbolizing the use of innovative but sometimes questionable methods to present financial data.

Meaning:
The use of innovative but sometimes questionable methods to present financial data.

Usage:

1. The company was accused of using creative accounting to hide its losses.
2. His creative accounting helped reduce the tax liabilities, but it was risky.
3. They relied on creative accounting to make their financials look better.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Financial manipulation," "Accounting tricks," "Book-cooking."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the contextual act of manipulating financial records in a clever but often unethical way. While it suggests ingenuity, the meaning is tied directly to the literal act of altering or interpreting accounting practices.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 1800s and refers to not worrying about future problems until they happen.

Meaning:
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.

Usage:

1. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it; let’s focus on the current issue.
2. She said they would cross that bridge when they came to it, avoiding unnecessary worry.
3. He prefers to cross that bridge when he comes to it rather than stress now.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Deal with it later", "Handle it when necessary", "Don't worry prematurely"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means dealing with a problem or challenge only when it arises, rather than worrying about it in advance. The meaning is directly tied to the context of encountering a situation (a bridge) and dealing with it then.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the most important or central point of an issue.

Meaning:
The most important or central point of an issue.

Usage:

1. The crux of the matter is that we need more funding.
2. He got to the crux of the matter during the discussion.
3. Understanding the crux of the matter helped them find a solution.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Heart of the issue," "Core point," "Central issue."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the central or most important part of a situation or issue. The word "crux" comes from the Latin word for "cross" but is used contextually to highlight the key point, and the meaning remains closely tied to the literal words.

Origin:
The exact origin is unclear, but it became popular in American slang in the early 20th century.

Meaning:
A cup of coffee.

Usage:

1. She always starts her day with a cup of joe.
2. Let’s grab a cup of joe and chat.
3. He ordered a cup of joe at the diner.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Coffee", "Java", "Brew"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a cup of coffee. The meaning is directly tied to the words “cup” and “joe,” where “joe” is a slang term for coffee.

Origin:
This phrase comes from the idea of using a cushion to soften the impact of a fall.

Meaning:
To make a bad situation less severe or easier to handle.

Usage:

1. They cushioned the blow of the bad news with a kind gesture.
2. A severance package can help cushion the blow of losing a job.
3. He tried to cushion the blow by explaining the reasons for the decision.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Soften the impact", "Ease the pain", "Mitigate the damage"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to soften the impact of a difficult or hurtful situation. The meaning is closely tied to the words “cushion” and “blow,” where “cushion” represents an act of softening or lessening something painful.

Origin:
This phrase originally referred to herbs that were ready for use, meaning they were in a clear and simple state.

Meaning:
Simple, clear, and straightforward.

Usage:

1. The instructions were cut and dried, easy to follow.
2. Their decision was cut and dried, leaving no room for debate.
3. The contract terms were cut and dried.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Clear-cut", "Straightforward", "Unambiguous"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means something that is predetermined, settled, or clear, with no room for change. The meaning is directly tied to the words “cut” and “dried,” referring to something finished or final.

Origin:
This phrase uses the imagery of a double-edged sword to describe something that has two opposite effects.

Meaning:
To have both positive and negative effects.

Usage:

1. The new policy cuts both ways, helping some but hurting others.
2. Her decision to move cuts both ways, offering new opportunities but also challenges.
3. Technology can cut both ways, improving efficiency but reducing jobs.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Have pros and cons", "Be double-edged", "Have mixed effects"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means that something has both positive and negative aspects, or that it can be interpreted in two ways. The meaning is closely tied to the words "cut" and "both," referring to multiple outcomes or perspectives.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of telling someone to stop doing something.

Meaning:
To tell someone to stop doing something.

Usage:

1. Cut it out! You're being too loud.
2. He told her to cut it out when she started teasing him.
3. The teacher said, "Cut it out," to the students who were misbehaving.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Stop it," "Knock it off," "Quit it."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the direct and contextual act of stopping an action or behavior. While "cut" can imply removal in a literal sense, in this expression, the meaning is straightforward and commands someone to stop what they are doing.

Origin:
This phrase originally refers to cutting the umbilical cord at birth, symbolizing independence.

Meaning:
To become independent from someone or something.

Usage:

1. It's time for him to cut the cord and move out of his parents' house.
2. She decided to cut the cord and start her own business.
3. They cut the cord and stopped relying on external funding.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Become independent", "Break free", "Stand on one's own"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to sever a connection or to become independent from someone or something. The meaning is tied to the words "cut" and "cord," referring literally to the physical act of cutting something but metaphorically representing severing ties.

Origin:
This phrase likely comes from the idea of dancing energetically, as if cutting into the rug.

Meaning:
To dance.

Usage:

1. They cut the rug at the wedding reception.
2. He loves to cut the rug at parties.
3. She cut the rug with her friends all night.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Dance", "Boogie", "Bust a move"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to dance, usually in an enthusiastic manner. The meaning is closely tied to the individual words, referring to the act of dancing, which involves a physical action rather than a figurative interpretation.