Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes frequent and intense arguing.

Meaning:
Frequent and intense arguing.

Usage:

1. They quarrel like cats and dogs over trivial matters.
2. She and her brother used to quarrel like cats and dogs.
3. He noticed they were quarreling like cats and dogs all the time.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Fight constantly," "Argue intensely," "Dispute frequently"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to fight or argue fiercely. The "cats and dogs" here are used metaphorically, referencing animals known for their intense disputes, not referring to literal pets fighting.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being unhappy with one's circumstances.

Meaning:
Being unhappy with one's circumstances.

Usage:

1. She quarreled with fate over her unlucky situation.
2. He often quarreled with fate when things went wrong.
3. They quarreled with fate about their misfortunes.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Complain about destiny," "Protest circumstances," "Grumble about fate"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to struggle or resist destiny or the course of events. "Fate" is metaphorical, symbolizing inevitable outcomes, and the quarrel represents the emotional or personal resistance to those outcomes.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes disagreeing with the source of one's livelihood.

Meaning:
Disagreeing with the source of one's livelihood.

Usage:

1. He knew better than to quarrel with his bread and butter.
2. She avoided quarreling with her bread and butter to keep her job.
3. They warned against quarreling with one's bread and butter.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Disagree with livelihood," "Challenge income source," "Conflict with sustenance"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to argue or create conflict with something that is essential to one's livelihood or well-being. "Bread and butter" represent basic sustenance or livelihood, not actual food.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes someone who is unusual or eccentric.

Meaning:
Someone who is unusual or eccentric.

Usage:

1. They always thought of him as a queer fish.
2. She considered her neighbor a bit of a queer fish.
3. He was known as the queer fish in the village.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Eccentric," "Odd person," "Unusual individual"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to someone who is eccentric or unusual in behavior. "Queer" here means strange or out of the ordinary, and "fish" symbolizes a person who is different, not referring to a literal fish.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes spoiling someone's plans or chances.

Meaning:
To spoil someone's plans or chances.

Usage:

1. His interference queered the pitch for the whole team.
2. She didn't want to queer the pitch by revealing the secret.
3. They warned him not to queer the pitch during negotiations.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Mess up," "Sabotage," "Disrupt"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to spoil or ruin a plan or situation. "Queer" here symbolizes making something difficult or problematic, while "pitch" refers to a situation or opportunity, not a literal playing field.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes suppressing or stopping a rebellion.

Meaning:
Suppressing or stopping a rebellion.

Usage:

1. The government worked to quell the rebellion quickly.
2. She had to quell the rebellion in her classroom.
3. They successfully quelled the rebellion after a fierce battle.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Suppress," "Put down," "Crush"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to suppress or put an end to a rebellion or disturbance. The word "quell" is used metaphorically to represent control, rather than referring to any literal act of quelling.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes satisfying one's desire to learn.

Meaning:
Satisfying one's desire to learn.

Usage:

1. She read books to quench her thirst for knowledge.
2. He attended lectures to quench his thirst for knowledge.
3. They traveled to quench their thirst for knowledge about cultures.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Learn," "Educate oneself," "Gain knowledge"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to satisfying a strong desire for knowledge or learning. "Thirst" is used metaphorically, not relating to a literal drink, but to the figurative need for knowledge.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes a solution or method that is fast but not perfect.

Meaning:
A solution or method that is fast but not perfect.

Usage:

1. He provided a quick and dirty fix for the problem.
2. She opted for a quick and dirty method to meet the deadline.
3. They decided on a quick and dirty approach for the prototype.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Imperfect solution," "Fast fix," "Temporary measure"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means something done hastily and without concern for thoroughness or quality. The idiom "quick and dirty" does not refer to literal speed or dirtiness but conveys a metaphor for efficiency at the cost of precision.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes the idea of survival of the fittest, originally a biblical reference.

Meaning:
The idea of survival of the fittest, originally a biblical reference.

Usage:

1. In the competitive world, it's the quick and the dead.
2. He believed that business was all about the quick and the dead.
3. They faced a quick and the dead scenario in the race.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Survival of the fittest," "Fast or perish," "Adapt or fail"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively contrasts the living ("quick") with the dead ("dead") to imply an extreme or dangerous situation. The idiom is not literal, referring to life and death in a figurative context.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of doing something very quickly. It comes from the image of a dog rapidly licking a dish clean.

Meaning:
To do something very quickly.

Usage:

1. She finished her homework as quick as a dog can lick a dish.
2. He solved the problem quick as a dog can lick a dish.
3. They cleaned up the mess quick as a dog can lick a dish.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Very quickly," "In no time," "Rapidly."

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means something is done extremely quickly. While the literal interpretation of a dog licking a dish could suggest speed, the idiom is not meant to be taken literally. The focus is on the exaggerated comparison of speed, and the figurative meaning does not come directly from the words themselves. This non-literal, figurative use of speed is what qualifies it as an idiom.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes making money quickly and often with little effort.

Meaning:
Making money quickly and often with little effort.

Usage:

1. He was always looking for ways to make a quick buck.
2. She invested in stocks to try and earn a quick buck.
3. They started a side hustle to make a quick buck.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Easy money," "Fast earnings," "Quick profit"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to making money quickly and easily, often with little effort. "Buck" is slang for money, and the idiom emphasizes the ease of earning it, not referring to an actual buck.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of being quick to start or react. It comes from the idea of getting off the starting mark quickly in a race.

Meaning:
To be quick to start or react.

Usage:

1. She was quick off the mark with her response.
2. He was quick off the mark to seize the opportunity.
3. They were quick off the mark to implement the changes.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Prompt," "Swift," "Reactive."

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it means to react or respond very quickly, often in a competitive or time-sensitive situation. The idiom originates from racing, where "mark" refers to the starting line, but its figurative meaning refers to someone's quick response, not the actual physical action of racing. The expression has a non-literal meaning that cannot be deduced from the literal words, which is the hallmark of an idiom.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being able to think and react swiftly.

Meaning:
Being able to think and react swiftly.

Usage:

1. He was quick on his feet during the debate.
2. She needed to be quick on her feet in the emergency.
3. They admired his ability to be quick on his feet in tricky situations.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Agile," "Responsive," "Fast thinker"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to someone who is able to think or react quickly, often in difficult or unexpected situations. "Feet" here is metaphorical, symbolizing the speed of mental or physical response.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes being fast in action or response.

Meaning:
Being fast in action or response.

Usage:

1. She was quick on the draw with her answers in the quiz.
2. He is known to be quick on the draw when it comes to decision-making.
3. They relied on him to be quick on the draw in critical moments.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Swift," "Fast responder," "Prompt"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means someone who can react or make decisions quickly, often in a tense or urgent situation. "Draw" refers metaphorically to drawing a weapon or making a fast response.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes understanding things quickly.

Meaning:
Understanding things quickly.

Usage:

1. She is quick on the uptake and grasped the concept immediately.
2. He was praised for being quick on the uptake in his training.
3. They needed someone who was quick on the uptake for the task.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Fast learner," "Perceptive," "Quick-minded"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means someone who understands or comprehends things quickly. "Uptake" is used metaphorically to represent the speed at which one grasps concepts or ideas.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes a person who learns new information or skills quickly.

Meaning:
A person who learns new information or skills quickly.

Usage:

1. He is a quick study and adapted to the new software easily.
2. She proved to be a quick study in the new job.
3. They described her as a quick study during the orientation.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Rapid learner," "Fast learner," "Adaptive"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to someone who learns or grasps new information quickly. "Study" is metaphorical here, representing learning ability, not the literal act of studying.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes forming opinions or conclusions rapidly, often without sufficient evidence.

Meaning:
Forming opinions or conclusions rapidly, often without sufficient evidence.

Usage:

1. He is quick to judge and often makes snap decisions.
2. She was criticized for being quick to judge others.
3. They advised him not to be quick to judge before knowing all the facts.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Hasty," "Impulsive," "Premature judgment"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to form opinions or conclusions about something or someone too quickly. "Judge" is metaphorical, referring to quick conclusions rather than a literal judgment process.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of doing something quickly and with minimal effort, often sacrificing quality. It comes from the idea of a quick and rough job.

Meaning:
To do something quickly and with minimal effort, often sacrificing quality.

Usage:

1. They opted for a quick-and-dirty solution to the problem.
2. He did a quick-and-dirty job on the repairs.
3. She prepared a quick-and-dirty presentation.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Hasty," "Rushed," "Impromptu."

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to something that is done quickly and with little concern for detail or perfection, usually for expediency. The words "quick" and "dirty" are not meant to be understood literally in this context. The idiom's meaning is figurative, describing an approach or method that is fast but not necessarily well-executed. This non-literal meaning is what makes it an idiom.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes a situation where debt is growing uncontrollably, making escape difficult.

Meaning:
A situation where debt is growing uncontrollably, making escape difficult.

Usage:

1. They found themselves sinking into the quicksand of debt.
2. He struggled to escape the quicksand of debt.
3. She warned them about the dangers of the quicksand of debt.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Financial trap," "Debt spiral," "Unmanageable debt"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively represents the overwhelming, dangerous nature of being trapped in debt, much like quicksand. "Quicksand" is not a literal substance but a metaphor for a situation that becomes harder to escape the deeper you go.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes being overwhelmed by uncertainty and hesitation.

Meaning:
Being overwhelmed by uncertainty and hesitation.

Usage:

1. She felt trapped in the quicksand of doubt.
2. He tried to navigate through the quicksand of doubt in his mind.
3. They helped each other out of the quicksand of doubt.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Uncertainty," "Indecision," "Hesitation"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively represents a situation where doubt becomes overwhelming and difficult to escape, much like quicksand. The idiom uses "quicksand" metaphorically to convey the idea of being trapped in a mental state of uncertainty, which is not literal but figurative.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes someone who is very quick and unpredictable in their thoughts and actions.

Meaning:
Someone who is very quick and unpredictable in their thoughts and actions.

Usage:

1. She has a quicksilver mind, always coming up with new ideas.
2. He admired her quicksilver mind during their brainstorming sessions.
3. They found it challenging to keep up with his quicksilver mind.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Fast thinker," "Unpredictable," "Agile mind"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to a mind that is quick, changeable, and elusive, similar to the fluidity of quicksilver (mercury). "Quick" in this context is metaphorical, relating to speed and adaptability, and "quicksilver" emphasizes the fluid, shifting nature of the mind.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes having the ability to think and respond quickly and intelligently.

Meaning:
Having the ability to think and respond quickly and intelligently.

Usage:

1. He was known for his quick-witted responses in debates.
2. She impressed everyone with her quick-witted humor.
3. They needed a quick-witted individual for the role.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Clever," "Sharp," "Intelligent"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively describes someone who is mentally agile and able to respond quickly with clever remarks or solutions. "Witted" is metaphorical, referring to mental sharpness rather than a literal quality.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being completely silent.

Meaning:
Being completely silent.

Usage:

1. The room was quiet as the grave after the announcement.
2. She felt the atmosphere was quiet as the grave.
3. They worked quiet as the grave to avoid detection.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Dead silent," "Completely quiet," "Hushed"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means complete silence, as in the stillness associated with death. "Grave" is metaphorical, referring to a quiet, undisturbed state, and the phrase evokes a sense of finality and stillness beyond literal silence.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes a calm period before a period of chaos or activity.

Meaning:
A calm period before a period of chaos or activity.

Usage:

1. The office felt like the quiet before the storm before the deadline.
2. She sensed the quiet before the storm before the big event.
3. They prepared during the quiet before the storm.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Calm before chaos," "Peace before activity," "Stillness before action"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to a period of calm or tension before something intense or disruptive happens, similar to the calm that occurs before a storm. It uses the metaphor of weather to imply impending action or trouble.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes a spontaneous and clever remark.

Meaning:
A spontaneous and clever remark.

Usage:

1. He made a quip of the tongue that impressed everyone.
2. She was known for her quips of the tongue.
3. They enjoyed his quip of the tongue during the conversation.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Spontaneous joke," "Quick wit," "Instant remark"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to a witty or clever remark made spontaneously, often in a conversational context. The idiom "of the tongue" does not literally relate to the tongue itself, but to the idea of a remark that comes easily or quickly, implying the ease of speech rather than a direct meaning related to the tongue.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes a remark that shows cleverness or humor.

Meaning:
A remark that shows cleverness or humor.

Usage:

1. Her quip of wit made the audience laugh.
2. He responded with a quip of wit.
3. They admired her ability to deliver a quip of wit.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Clever remark," "Humorous comment," "Witty saying"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to a clever or humorous remark that demonstrates a person's wit, where "wit" is not simply the literal sense of being clever, but refers to an intellectual ability to make clever, often humorous remarks. The idiom as a whole suggests that the remark reflects intelligence or humor, not just a literal "quip."

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes an unexpected or unusual occurrence due to destiny or chance.

Meaning:
An unexpected or unusual occurrence due to destiny or chance.

Usage:

1. By a quirk of fate, they met on the same flight.
2. She saw it as a quirk of fate that she got the job.
3. He couldn't believe the quirk of fate that brought them together.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Twist of fate," "Coincidence," "Serendipity"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to an unexpected or unusual turn of events in life, where "fate" is not literal but symbolizes the unpredictable or mysterious aspects of life. The term "quirk" here is metaphorical, suggesting that fate itself can have odd, unexpected twists, which goes beyond a simple, literal meaning.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes an unusual or unexpected event in historical context.

Meaning:
An unusual or unexpected event in historical context.

Usage:

1. It was a quirk of history that the two leaders met.
2. She studied the quirks of history in her research.
3. They discussed the quirk of history that changed the course of events.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Historical anomaly," "Oddity," "Unusual event"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to an unusual or unexpected event or situation in history. The term "quirk" is metaphorical, suggesting an odd or unexpected detail in history that deviates from what might be expected, not a literal occurrence.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes an unusual or unexpected natural phenomenon.

Meaning:
An unusual or unexpected natural phenomenon.

Usage:

1. The strange rock formations are a quirk of nature.
2. She marveled at the quirk of nature in the garden.
3. They studied the quirk of nature that occurred in the region.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Natural oddity," "Phenomenon," "Unusual occurrence"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to an unusual or unexpected feature of nature. The term "quirk" here is used metaphorically, implying something peculiar or out of the ordinary in natural phenomena, rather than a literal, physical quirk.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes stopping a habit or addiction suddenly and completely.

Meaning:
Stopping a habit or addiction suddenly and completely.

Usage:

1. He decided to quit smoking cold turkey.
2. She quit her caffeine addiction cold turkey.
3. They admired his ability to quit cold turkey.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Stop abruptly," "End suddenly," "Cease completely"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively refers to abruptly stopping a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction. The idiom "cold turkey" does not literally relate to the food but rather symbolizes the sudden and complete cessation of something, making it non-literal.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes stopping fooling around or being silly.

Meaning:
Stopping fooling around or being silly.

Usage:

1. The teacher told the students to quit horsing around.
2. She told her kids to quit horsing around and do their homework.
3. He needed to quit horsing around and get to work.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Stop playing around," "Be serious," "Focus"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to stop fooling around or behaving in a silly, unproductive way. "Horsing around" is not referring to literal horses but uses "horsing" metaphorically to convey playful or unruly behavior, and the phrase suggests stopping that behavior.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes stopping an activity before it leads to failure or trouble.

Meaning:
Stopping an activity before it leads to failure or trouble.

Usage:

1. He decided to quit while he was ahead in the game.
2. She was advised to quit while she was ahead in the debate.
3. They chose to quit while they were ahead in the negotiations.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Stop before failure," "End on a high note," "Avoid risk"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to stop doing something when you are in a good or successful position, rather than pushing further and risking failure. The idiom uses "ahead" metaphorically to refer to being in a favorable situation, which goes beyond the literal meaning of quitting.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of being extremely afraid or nervous. It comes from the image of someone shaking in their boots due to fear.

Meaning:
Being very scared or nervous.

Usage:

1. He was quivering in his boots before the presentation.
2. She was quivering in her boots during the job interview.
3. They were quivering in their boots when facing the challenge.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Tremble with fear," "Shake with fear," "Shiver with fear"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to be extremely nervous or scared, often to the point of shaking. The idiom "quiver in one's boots" does not literally refer to boots but uses the image of quivering or shaking in fear to express anxiety or fear, making it non-literal.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of trembling due to being very excited. It comes from the image of someone shaking with anticipation or joy.

Meaning:
Feeling very eager or thrilled.

Usage:

1. She quivered with excitement as the concert began.
2. He quivered with excitement at the thought of his vacation.
3. They quivered with excitement when they saw the surprise.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Thrilled," "Eager," "Buzzing with excitement"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it figuratively means to feel a strong, visible sense of excitement or anticipation, typically involving physical reactions like shaking or trembling. The idiom "quiver with excitement" does not mean to literally tremble in a "quiver," but uses the idea of quivering to express an emotional response, making it non-literal.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing a whimsical or impractical adventure. It comes from the character Don Quixote in the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, who embarked on impractical and romantic adventures.

Meaning:
A romantic and impractical journey.

Usage:

1. His plan to travel the world on foot was a quixotic adventure.
2. She embarked on a quixotic adventure to find hidden treasures.
3. They set out on a quixotic adventure with no clear destination.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Romantic journey," "Impractical quest," "Foolhardy adventure"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to an adventure that is idealistic, unrealistic, or impractical in nature, similar to the character Don Quixote's behavior. "Quixotic" refers figuratively to impractical or whimsical ideals, not the literal meaning of "adventure," thus shifting the meaning beyond the individual words.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing an idealistic and impractical belief or goal. It comes from the character Don Quixote in the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, who pursued unattainable ideals.

Meaning:
An ideal that is visionary but impractical.

Usage:

1. He pursued a quixotic ideal of world peace.
2. She believed in the quixotic ideal of a perfect society.
3. They followed the quixotic ideal of living off the grid.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Visionary goal," "Unrealistic ideal," "Impractical aspiration"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to an idealistic or impractical belief, based on the character of Don Quixote, who pursued unrealistic ideals. The word "quixotic" has a figurative meaning of being overly idealistic or impractical, which cannot be deduced from the literal words of the phrase, making it non-literal.

Origin:
This idiom dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing a whimsical or impractical adventure. It comes from the character Don Quixote in the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, who embarked on impractical and romantic adventures.

Meaning:
A romantic but impractical trip.

Usage:

1. Their quixotic journey took them to remote and unknown places.
2. She dreamed of a quixotic journey through the wilderness.
3. He embarked on a quixotic journey with only a map and a compass.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Romantic trip," "Impractical travel," "Idealistic journey"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to a journey driven by unrealistic or overly idealistic goals. "Quixotic" is used figuratively to describe this impractical pursuit, and the meaning of "journey" here is connected to an idealized or unrealistic quest, rather than a literal travel experience.

Origin:
This idiom has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing an idealistic and impractical pursuit. It comes from the character Don Quixote in the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, who pursued unattainable ideals.

Meaning:
A mission that is noble but unrealistic.

Usage:

1. He was on a quixotic quest to find the lost city.
2. She undertook a quixotic quest to change the world.
3. They joined him on his quixotic quest for truth.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unrealistic mission," "Idealistic pursuit," "Noble but impractical"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to a quest that is noble but impractical or based on unrealistic ideals. Like "quixotic journey," it uses "quixotic" figuratively to describe an impractical pursuit, so the meaning cannot be understood from the literal words.

Origin:
This idiom has been used since the 19th century, popularized by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," and symbolizes quoting someone or something in a mysterious or ominous manner.

Meaning:
Quoting someone or something in a mysterious or ominous manner.

Usage:

1. He often said, "Quoth the raven," when referencing his dark predictions.
2. She quoted Poe's poem with the phrase, "Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.'"
3. They used "Quoth the raven" to add a dramatic flair to their story.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Say ominously," "Mysterious quote," "Dark reference"

Justifications:
This is an idiom because it refers to a famous line from Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," where "quoth" means "said." It uses the raven metaphorically to imply a foreboding or ominous message. While "quoth" itself is an archaic form of "say," the idiom as a whole carries a figurative meaning beyond the literal idea of a bird speaking.