Origin:
From commerce terminology in the 19th century, symbolizing a bargain or advantageous transaction.

Meaning:
A bargain or advantageous transaction.

Usage:

1. I got a good deal on this new laptop.
2. The sale is offering some really good deals.
3. They always find a good deal when shopping.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Bargain," "Steal," "Great offer"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a beneficial or favorable transaction or agreement. While "good deal" may have a metaphorical tone, the connection to the literal words is clear and directly interpretable.

Origin:
Hyperbolic phrase from the 20th century, symbolizing an overwhelming number or variety.

Meaning:
An overwhelming number or variety.

Usage:

1. There are a million and one things to do before the event.
2. She has a million and one reasons to love her job.
3. I've heard a million and one excuses from him.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Countless," "Numerous," "Myriad"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a large, often exaggerated number of things, with a clear connection to the literal meaning of "million and one." While hyperbolic, it is not entirely detached from its literal interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase is a colloquial expression symbolizing something insignificant or worthless.

Meaning:
An insignificant or worthless thing.

Usage:

1. The presentation was dismissed as an abbreviated piece of nothing.
2. His excuses were nothing but an abbreviated piece of nothing to her.
3. The plot of the movie turned out to be an abbreviated piece of nothing.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Worthless," "Insignificant," "Of no value."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly and contextually describes something insignificant or incomplete. While it may have a slight metaphorical tone, the meaning is tied closely to the literal interpretation of the words, where “abbreviated” means shortened and “piece of nothing” conveys something trivial.

Origin:
From the 19th century, emphasizing that something should have happened sooner.

Meaning:
Finally happening after a long delay.

Usage:

1. It's about time you arrived; we were getting worried.
2. About time the project was finished.
3. They said, "It's about time we had a vacation."

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Long overdue," "Finally," "At last"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally refers to something happening at an appropriate or expected moment. While it can carry slight figurative undertones, the meaning is closely tied to its literal interpretation.

Origin:
Legal terminology from the 16th century, referring to actions taken after an event has occurred.

Meaning:
Refers to something done or occurring after an event or situation has already taken place.

Usage:

1. The company implemented new safety measures after the fact, following the accident.
2. He apologized after the fact, but the damage had already been done.
3. The investigation revealed the truth after the fact, long after the incident occurred.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Closing the barn door after the horse has bolted," "Too little, too late," "Hindsight is 20/20"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally refers to something occurring or being addressed after an event has happened. The connection to the words is clear and directly tied to their literal interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase originates from British broadcasting regulations established in the 1960s, referring to the time after which adult content is allowed on television.

Meaning:
After the time when adult content is allowed to be broadcast on TV, typically after 9 PM.

Usage:

1. The program contained explicit language and was only shown after the watershed.
2. The controversial movie was scheduled for airing after the watershed.
3. Parents were advised that the show airing after the watershed might not be suitable for children.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Post-watershed," "Late-night viewing," "Adult content hours."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to a specific point in time, often in broadcasting, after which content suitable for adults can be aired. The meaning has a literal connection to the term "watershed" as a turning point, making it more contextual than figurative.

Origin:
From the 18th century, acknowledging a point where two parties will not reach a consensus.

Meaning:
To accept that there is a disagreement and stop arguing about it.

Usage:

1. They decided to agree to disagree on the topic.
2. We can agree to disagree and move forward.
3. It’s best to agree to disagree to maintain peace.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Let it be," "Different opinions," "Mutual respect for differences"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a mutual decision to acknowledge differing opinions without further argument. While it implies mutual understanding, the meaning is closely tied to the literal interpretation of the words.

Origin:
From legal and business practices in the 20th century, indicating a general agreement that is not yet finalized.

Meaning:
A basic agreement on the main points, pending details.

Usage:

1. They reached an agreement in principle on the deal.
2. The teams have an agreement in principle but need to finalize the details.
3. We have an agreement in principle, but the contract is not signed yet.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Tentative agreement," "Preliminary agreement," "Basic understanding"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally refers to a general or preliminary agreement on the broad terms of something, even if details are not finalized. The connection to the words is direct and contextual.

Origin:
From the late 20th century, describing extreme anger or violent behavior by airline passengers.

Meaning:
Aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by airline passengers.

Usage:

1. The passenger's air rage caused a delay.
2. Airlines have protocols to handle air rage incidents.
3. His air rage was triggered by the flight's long delay.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Inflight aggression," "Passenger outburst," "Flight temper"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally refers to aggressive or disruptive behavior exhibited by passengers during air travel. The connection to the words is clear and directly tied to their literal interpretation, with "rage" used descriptively.

Origin:
From the 18th century, meaning throughout a period of time.

Meaning:
All the time; from the beginning.

Usage:

1. He knew the truth all along.
2. They had the solution all along.
3. She realized she loved him all along.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"From the start," "The entire time," "Throughout"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual idea of something occurring or being the case throughout a period. The connection to the individual words is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase comes from the military and emergency services, signaling that a dangerous situation has been resolved. It has been used since the early 20th century.

Meaning:
A signal that danger or an obstacle is no longer present.

Usage:

1. After the storm passed, the weather service gave the all clear.
2. The fire alarm was turned off after the fire department gave the all clear.
3. They received the all clear from the doctor to travel abroad.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
After the storm passed, the weather service gave the all clear.

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to a situation where danger or obstruction has passed. The meaning is closely tied to the literal interpretation of the words “all” and “clear,” commonly used in emergencies or signals.

Origin:
From the early 20th century, meaning lacking focus or being disorganized.

Meaning:
Lacking focus or consistency; disorganized.

Usage:

1. His thoughts were all over the board during the presentation.
2. The team’s strategy was all over the board.
3. Her interests are all over the board, making it hard to choose a career.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Disorganized," "Inconsistent," "Scattered"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is inconsistent or unpredictable, often used in contexts such as varying prices or outcomes. The phrase connects directly to the literal idea of being spread across a board, but can be interpreted metaphorically depending on the context.

Origin:
From the mid-20th century, symbolizing disorganization or widespread dispersion.

Meaning:
Lacking focus or being scattered in many directions.

Usage:

1. His thoughts were all over the place during the meeting.
2. The papers were all over the place in her office.
3. The conversation was all over the place and hard to follow.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Scattered," "Disorganized," "Everywhere"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is disorganized or erratic in a direct way, such as a physical mess or an unstructured situation. While metaphorical, the meaning of being spread out or disordered is closely tied to the literal phrase.

Origin:
Legal term from the early 20th century, symbolizing copyright protection.

Meaning:
All legal rights are reserved by the copyright holder.

Usage:

1. The book was published with all rights reserved.
2. The website states all rights reserved at the bottom.
3. The artwork is protected with all rights reserved.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Copyrighted," "Legally protected," "Reserved rights"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to the legal declaration regarding intellectual property, indicating that the owner retains full control over the work. While the phrase can carry some figurative meaning in contexts about control, its meaning is grounded in a legal, literal context.

Origin:
This phrase originates from the space program, where "all systems go" meant that all equipment was functioning properly for a mission.

Meaning:
Everything is ready and functioning well.

Usage:

1. After months of preparation, it was all systems go for the product launch.
2. The countdown started, and it was all systems go for the rocket launch.
3. With the new software updates, it's all systems go for the project.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Ready to go", "Good to go", "Set to proceed"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal readiness of a system or process, often used in contexts like space launches or other operations. It is closely tied to the direct action of ensuring all components are functioning properly, though it can carry some metaphorical meanings in broader contexts.

Origin:
From the early 19th century, meaning regardless or nevertheless.

Meaning:
Regardless; nevertheless.

Usage:

1. She didn’t win, but she’s happy all the same.
2. He was late, but they waited for him all the same.
3. The weather was bad, but they went out all the same.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Regardless," "Nevertheless," "Despite that"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the idea of something being equivalent or indifferent in nature. The meaning is tied directly to the individual words, where the expression emphasizes that two things are essentially identical or irrelevant in context.

Origin:
From the early 20th century, used in economics and philosophy to indicate conditions under which comparisons can be made.

Meaning:
Assuming all variables remain the same.

Usage:

1. All things being equal, we should finish on time.
2. All things being equal, the new plan will be successful.
3. If all things are being equal, the market will remain stable.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Ceteris paribus," "Assuming no changes," "If things remain constant"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a hypothetical situation where all variables or factors are considered equal, often used to make comparisons or assumptions. The meaning is clearly tied to the literal concept of equality or balance in the situation.

Origin:
From the early 20th century, used to indicate considering all factors of a situation.

Meaning:
Taking all factors into account.

Usage:

1. All things considered, it was a successful event.
2. All things considered, they made the best decision.
3. The project went well, all things considered.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Considering everything," "Taking everything into account," "Overall"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the process of weighing all factors or aspects of a situation, usually in decision-making. It is tied to the literal concept of taking everything into account, though it can be used in various contexts metaphorically.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the 16th century, meaning everything considered or included.

Meaning:
Considering everything; all things considered.

Usage:

1. All told, the project was a success despite the minor setbacks.
2. There were 50 people at the event, all told.
3. All told, it was a productive meeting.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"All in all," "On the whole," "In the aggregate."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of summing up all factors or numbers to get the final total. While it can have a broader meaning, its connection to the literal words “all” and “told” is clear and straightforward.

Origin:
From the early 20th century, suggesting something similar to or in the same category as.

Meaning:
Similar to; in the same category as.

Usage:

1. We’re looking for a solution along the lines of what you suggested.
2. The movie was along the lines of a romantic comedy.
3. Her idea was along the lines of what we had in mind.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Similar to," "In the same vein as," "Like"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something similar or comparable to something else, often used to explain that a situation or concept shares characteristics with another. The meaning is more directly tied to the literal act of being "along" a line or boundary, with a more contextual interpretation.

Origin:
American slang from the mid-20th century, indicating unprofessional or inexperienced behavior.

Meaning:
Unprofessional or inexperienced behavior.

Usage:

1. The meeting was so chaotic, it felt like amateur hour.
2. His presentation was amateur hour compared to the others.
3. That performance was total amateur hour.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unprofessional," "Inexperienced," "Novice"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a time or situation when inexperienced or unskilled people are involved, often implying a lack of professionalism. While it can be used metaphorically to criticize poor performance, it is grounded in the idea of "amateur" or beginner-level activity.

Origin:
This phrase is derived from the French term "fait accompli," used since the 19th century.

Meaning:
Something that has already been done and cannot be changed.

Usage:

1. The merger is an accomplished fact, so we must adapt.
2. The decision to move forward is an accomplished fact.
3. By the time we learned about it, it was an accomplished fact.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Done deal," "Fait accompli," "Irreversible action."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that has already been done or established, which cannot be changed. The words retain their literal meaning as they describe a completed or achieved reality, making the connection clear and direct.

Origin:
Derived from "devil’s advocate," a term used since the 19th century to refer to someone who argues from a positive perspective.

Meaning:
Someone who argues in favor of a positive outcome or good cause.

Usage:

1. He played angel’s advocate during the debate to highlight the positives.
2. She often acts as angel’s advocate in meetings.
3. It’s useful to have an angel’s advocate to see the bright side.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Optimist," "Supporter," "Cheerleader"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone who argues in favor of something (the opposite of "devil's advocate"). The connection to the words "angel" and "advocate" is clear and direct, though slightly metaphorical.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century, referring to the stubbornness of mules.

Meaning:
Very stubborn and unwilling to change.

Usage:

1. He’s as stubborn as a mule when it comes to his opinions.
2. She’s as stubborn as a mule about her decisions.
3. They’re as stubborn as a mule when it comes to change.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Pig-headed," "Obstinate," "Inflexible."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to the literal or contextual trait of stubbornness, comparing a person’s behavior to that of a mule, which is known for being obstinate. The figurative connection is clear but still closely tied to the literal characteristic of mules.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the 19th century, indicating the passage of time.

Meaning:
As time passes or over time.

Usage:

1. As time goes by, we learn more about each other.
2. His skills improved as time went by and he practiced more.
3. As time goes by, old traditions often evolve or fade away.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"With the passage of time," "As the years go by," "Over time."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual passage of time. While it can evoke nostalgia or reflection, the meaning remains directly tied to the literal understanding of time progressing.

Origin:
The phrase implies inviting problems by engaging in risky or foolish behavior.

Meaning:
To do something that will likely result in problems or difficulties.

Usage:

1. Ignoring the warning signs is asking for trouble.
2. Driving in this weather is asking for trouble.
3. Skipping class and not studying is asking for trouble.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Courting disaster", "Asking for it", "Tempting fate"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a literal or contextual act of doing something likely to lead to problems. While it can imply a figurative sense, the connection to the individual words is clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 16th century, representing a state of confusion or lack of understanding.

Meaning:
Not knowing what to do or say.

Usage:

1. She was at a loss for words after hearing the shocking news.
2. They were at a loss on how to fix the broken system.
3. The team was at a loss after their strategy failed.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Baffled," "Confounded," "Perplexed."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to the state of being uncertain, confused, or lacking a clear answer. While it can have a metaphorical nuance when referring to emotional or mental states, the meaning remains closely tied to the literal interpretation of "loss" as lacking something, such as direction or understanding.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 16th century and refers to being in opposition or conflict.

Meaning:
In conflict or disagreement.

Usage:

1. The two companies are at odds over the contract.
2. He was at odds with his parents about his career choice.
3. Their opinions were often at odds with each other.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"In disagreement", "At loggerheads", "In conflict"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to being in disagreement or conflict. The meaning is closely tied to the literal words and doesn’t involve a deeper metaphorical layer.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 16th century, originally used to describe something that could be wagered or risked.

Meaning:
At risk or in danger.

Usage:

1. With the merger, hundreds of jobs are at stake.
2. Our reputation is at stake if we fail to deliver on time.
3. The championship title is at stake in tomorrow's game.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"On the line," "At risk," "In jeopardy."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to the situation where something valuable or significant is in danger or dependent on an outcome. While it has a slightly metaphorical nuance, the meaning of "stake" as something to lose or risk is clear and connected to the words used.

Origin:
This phrase comes from the late 20th century with the advent of electronic devices, symbolizing ease of operation.

Meaning:
Very easily and quickly.

Usage:

1. You can access thousands of books at the touch of a button.
2. The system can be reset at the touch of a button.
3. At the touch of a button, the car starts and you’re ready to go.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Instantly," "In a snap," "With ease."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual ease and immediacy of performing an action, often with modern technology. While it can metaphorically imply something being simple or effortless, the connection to the literal act of pressing a button remains clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 14th century, symbolizing the ability to act according to one's own desires.

Meaning:
Whenever one wants or chooses.

Usage:

1. She can change her schedule at will.
2. The document can be edited at will.
3. He has the ability to leave the company at will.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Freely," "As one pleases," "At one's discretion."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual act of doing something whenever or however one desires. The meaning is closely tied to the words themselves, as "at will" directly conveys freedom of choice without needing a figurative interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 18th century, where "avowed" means openly declared.

Meaning:
A clear and openly declared intention or purpose.

Usage:

1. Her avowed intent is to improve the community.
2. His avowed intent was to seek justice for the victims.
3. They have an avowed intent to expand their business internationally.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Declared goal," "Stated purpose," "Expressed aim."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a clear and publicly declared purpose or intention. The meaning is straightforward and literal, as "avowed" means openly stated, and "intent" refers to purpose or aim. There is no figurative meaning here.