Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 18th century and symbolizes miscellaneous items or tasks.

Meaning:
Miscellaneous items or tasks.

Usage:

1. She spent the afternoon organizing odds and ends in the garage.
2. He had a few odds and ends to take care of before leaving.
3. They packed up odds and ends for the move.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Miscellaneous," "Bits and pieces," "Sundries"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to various small, miscellaneous items or tasks. The expression uses the literal meanings of "odds" (various) and "ends" (remaining parts), which leads to a clear interpretation of scattered or leftover things.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 17th century, symbolizing the act of being ineffective or useless. It comes from the idea that something is of no value or benefit.

Meaning:
To be ineffective or useless.

Usage:

1. Her attempts to persuade him were of no avail.
2. He found that his efforts were of no avail.
3. They realized their complaints were of no avail.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Useless," "Ineffective," "Futile."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is ineffective or without result. The phrase directly ties to the individual words, meaning that the effort made was of no use or outcome. While it carries a figurative meaning of being ineffective, the connection to the words is straightforward and clear in context, making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes being mistaken or incorrect.

Meaning:
Being mistaken or incorrect.

Usage:

1. His assumption was way off base.
2. She realized her calculations were off base.
3. They told him his theory was off base.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Wrong," "Incorrect," "Mistaken"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to being wrong or incorrect, particularly in an assumption or guess. "Base" here refers to the starting point or foundation, so being "off base" implies being away from that foundational truth. It is understood through the literal connection to being "off" the original base.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes something that is not commonly known or visited.

Meaning:
Something that is not commonly known or visited.

Usage:

1. They explored a village off the beaten track.
2. She found a café off the beaten track.
3. He prefers destinations off the beaten track.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unusual," "Unconventional," "Less traveled"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is unconventional or not well-known. The phrase uses the literal meaning of "beaten track" to refer to a commonly traveled or known path, with "off" meaning away from it, creating a direct connection to the idea of deviation.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolizes something that is done without preparation or spontaneously.

Meaning:
Something that is done without preparation or spontaneously.

Usage:

1. He gave a speech off the cuff.
2. She made an off-the-cuff remark during the meeting.
3. They handled the situation off the cuff.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Impromptu," "Spontaneous," "Unrehearsed"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something done spontaneously or without preparation. The connection to its literal words can be made because it originates from the idea of speaking without notes, metaphorically taken from the idea of speaking directly from one's cuff (sleeve), making the meaning clear.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolized something that is not to be officially recorded or made public.

Meaning:
Something that is not to be officially recorded or made public.

Usage:

1. He shared information off the record.
2. She made an off-the-record comment to the journalist.
3. They discussed the deal off the record.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unofficial," "Confidential," "Informal"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is not officially recorded or meant to be publicly shared. The phrase comes from the literal meaning of "record," and the idea of something being "off" it refers directly to information that should remain private or unreported.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is exceptionally high or extreme.

Meaning:
Something that is exceptionally high or extreme.

Usage:

1. His excitement was off the scale.
2. The temperatures this summer are off the scale.
3. Their performance was off the scale.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Excessive," "Extraordinary," "Out of this world"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something exceeding a limit or measurement. The phrase is understood from the literal concept of a scale (as in a measuring tool), with "off" meaning beyond the maximum point of measurement.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes a spontaneous or unprepared response.

Meaning:
A spontaneous or unprepared response.

Usage:

1. Off the top of my head, I think we have 20 employees.
2. She answered the question off the top of her head.
3. He provided an estimate off the top of his head.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Spontaneously," "Without preparation," "Impromptu"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a spontaneous or immediate response without careful thought or preparation. The meaning comes directly from the words "top of my head," suggesting an unprepared, instinctive answer. The connection is literal and direct.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes beginning something with great success and momentum.

Meaning:
Beginning something with great success and momentum.

Usage:

1. The project was off to a flying start with the initial success.
2. She felt off to a flying start in her new job.
3. They got the event off to a flying start with a big turnout.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Great start," "Strong beginning," "Successful launch"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to beginning something very successfully or energetically, with the literal "flying" meaning fast or smooth. The phrase conveys this through a metaphorical sense, but its meaning is easily tied to the literal image of a fast start.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes the start of an activity or competition.

Meaning:
The start of an activity or competition.

Usage:

1. Once the meeting started, we were off to the races.
2. She said, "We're off to the races," as they began the project.
3. They knew they were off to the races when the competition started.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Getting started," "Commence," "Begin in earnest"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to starting something with great enthusiasm or speed, much like a race. The "races" part is directly related to an actual competition, making this phrase easy to understand in its literal sense as a fast or excited beginning.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 18th century and symbolized something or someone that is very old.

Meaning:
Something or someone that is very old.

Usage:

1. That book is old as the hills.
2. He joked that his grandmother is old as the hills.
3. The tradition is old as the hills in their culture.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Ancient," "Very old," "Antiquated"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it simply refers to something very old, and the metaphor of hills suggests something ancient. The meaning is easily understood from the literal comparison to hills, which are naturally long-lasting and ancient in appearance.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 18th century and symbolizes someone who is very experienced at something.

Meaning:
Someone who is very experienced at something.

Usage:

1. He was an old hand at carpentry.
2. She is an old hand at organizing events.
3. They relied on the old hand for guidance.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Veteran," "Expert," "Seasoned professional"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone who is very experienced or skilled at something. "Hand" here is directly connected to a person’s ability or expertise, with the phrase coming from the literal idea of someone having 'been around' for a long time, gaining skill over time.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes something that is old-fashioned or outdated.

Meaning:
Something that is old-fashioned or outdated.

Usage:

1. His ideas were considered old hat.
2. She found the fashion trends to be old hat.
3. They thought the technology was old hat.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Outdated," "Old-fashioned," "Out of date"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something old, familiar, and perhaps overused, indicating it is no longer new or exciting. "Hat" is used literally as a common, everyday object, and "old hat" directly points to something outdated or standard.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes doing something with a very limited budget.

Meaning:
Doing something with a very limited budget.

Usage:

1. They traveled around the world on a shoestring.
2. She started her business on a shoestring budget.
3. He managed the event on a shoestring.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Low budget," "Minimal funds," "Barebones budget"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to operating with very little money or resources. "Shoestring" is literal here, implying something small and limited, making the connection to a modest budget or situation clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes receiving something without effort or as a gift.

Meaning:
Receiving something without effort or as a gift.

Usage:

1. He expected success to be handed to him on a silver platter.
2. She received the promotion on a silver platter.
3. They were given the opportunity on a silver platter.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Without effort," "Easily obtained," "Gifted"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being given to someone with little or no effort on their part, as if it were served on a platter. While it has some metaphorical nuance, it is rooted in the idea of receiving something easily, making it understandable from the literal idea of presentation.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolized doing something with great intensity or enthusiasm.

Meaning:
Doing something with great intensity or enthusiasm.

Usage:

1. He's been on a tear with his workouts lately.
2. She was on a tear, finishing all her tasks in record time.
3. They were on a tear, winning every match.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Enthusiastic," "Intense effort," "High energy"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a period of high activity, success, or enthusiasm. "Tear" here conveys a rapid, energetic movement, which can be linked directly to a person going through an active phase, making the meaning easy to understand from the literal connection to speed or tearing through something.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes being part of a team or agreement.

Meaning:
Being part of a team or agreement.

Usage:

1. She's on board with the new plan.
2. They got the whole team on board for the project.
3. He asked if everyone was on board with the decision.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"In agreement," "Part of the team," "Supportive"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to being in agreement or included in a group or activity, and the meaning comes directly from the literal interpretation of being physically on a boat or vehicle, hence in the group. It is easily understood from the literal words.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes being available or present.

Meaning:
Being available or present.

Usage:

1. The manager is on hand to assist with any issues.
2. She had all the necessary materials on hand for the project.
3. They kept emergency supplies on hand.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Available," "Present," "Ready"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being available or present for use. The literal meaning of "hand" (as in being close to or physically available) is directly tied to the intended meaning of having something or someone readily available.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is temporarily paused or delayed.

Meaning:
Something that is temporarily paused or delayed.

Usage:

1. The project is on hold until we get approval.
2. She had to put her plans on hold due to the pandemic.
3. They placed the order on hold until further notice.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Paused," "Delayed," "Temporarily halted"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being paused or delayed, especially in the context of communication or progress. The literal concept of "holding" something in place is easily understood, and the metaphorical meaning connects directly to this idea of suspension or delay.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes something that is temporarily set aside or not currently being used.

Meaning:
Something that is temporarily set aside or not currently being used.

Usage:

1. They put the negotiations on ice until next month.
2. Her plans for a vacation are on ice due to work commitments.
3. He decided to keep his ambitions on ice for now.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Postponed," "Set aside," "Put on hold"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being temporarily postponed or put aside. "Ice" here is metaphorically associated with something being kept inactive or in suspension, but the literal imagery of something physically on ice helps make the meaning clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of being constantly preoccupied or obsessed with something. It comes from the idea that the subject is always on one's mind.

Meaning:
To be constantly preoccupied or obsessed with something.

Usage:

1. He has golf on the brain and talks about it all the time.
2. She couldn't stop thinking about the project; it was on her brain.
3. They had the upcoming event on the brain all week.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Preoccupied with," "Obsessed with," "Constantly thinking about."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is currently occupying someone's thoughts or is on their mind. The phrase is contextually clear—if something is "on the brain," it is something someone is thinking about or concerned with. The meaning is more directly tied to the individual words, making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being exactly on time.

Meaning:
Being exactly on time.

Usage:

1. He arrived at the meeting on the dot.
2. She always starts class on the dot.
3. They expected the delivery on the dot.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Promptly," "Exactly on time," "Punctually"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something happening exactly at the scheduled or expected time. The phrase connects to the literal "dot," suggesting precision and punctuality, which is clear and direct from the words.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolized keeping something secret or confidential.

Meaning:
Keeping something secret or confidential.

Usage:

1. He asked her to keep the news on the down-low.
2. She told him about the plan on the down-low.
3. They discussed the project on the down-low.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Secretly," "Confidentially," "Under wraps"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being kept secret or discreet, often about something private. "Down-low" metaphorically suggests secrecy or hidden status, and while it has some figurative nuance, the connection to the literal concept of "down" remains clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes being undecided or neutral about something.

Meaning:
Being undecided or neutral about something.

Usage:

1. She was on the fence about accepting the job offer.
2. He remained on the fence during the debate.
3. They were on the fence about which car to buy.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Undecided," "Neutral," "Indecisive"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone being undecided or neutral in a situation. The imagery of being physically on a fence, unable to choose a side, directly conveys the meaning of indecision or lack of commitment.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes doing something quickly or without preparation.

Meaning:
Doing something quickly or without preparation.

Usage:

1. He made the decision on the fly.
2. She prepared the presentation on the fly.
3. They fixed the problem on the fly.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Quickly," "Without preparation," "Spontaneously"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to doing something quickly or without preparation. "Fly" here is metaphorically tied to movement or action without pause, and while it has some figurative meaning, the connection to speed and spontaneity is clearly linked to the literal concept of flying.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 19th century and symbolized something that is provided for free.

Meaning:
Something that is provided for free.

Usage:

1. The restaurant offered them dessert on the house.
2. She received a complimentary drink on the house.
3. They enjoyed the meal on the house.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Free," "Complimentary," "Without charge"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being given for free, particularly in a business context, like drinks or services at a restaurant. The connection is direct, referring to an item being "on the house"—the establishment, rather than the literal house.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being honest and straightforward.

Meaning:
Being honest and straightforward.

Usage:

1. He assured them he was on the level about his intentions.
2. She believed he was on the level with his explanation.
3. They wanted to make sure everyone was on the level.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Honest," "Straightforward," "Truthful"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to be honest, straightforward, or fair. The phrase is directly tied to the literal meaning of "level," as something balanced or even, indicating that the person is being truthful.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes recovering from an illness or injury.

Meaning:
Recovering from an illness or injury.

Usage:

1. He is on the mend after his surgery.
2. She felt on the mend after a week of rest.
3. They were relieved to hear he was on the mend.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Recovering," "Improving," "Getting better"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone recovering from illness or injury. The phrase connects directly to the literal process of mending, like repairing something, which is a natural metaphor for healing.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes being exactly correct or accurate.

Meaning:
Being exactly correct or accurate.

Usage:

1. His prediction was right on the money.
2. She was on the money with her assessment.
3. They said his analysis was on the money.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Spot on," "Exact," "Accurate"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to be accurate or correct. The literal connection is to money, where a perfect amount is expected or given, which makes the phrase easily understandable as a direct reference to precision.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes being active or in motion.

Meaning:
Being active or in motion.

Usage:

1. She's always on the move with her busy schedule.
2. They are on the move to expand their business.
3. He was on the move all day running errands.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Busy," "Active," "Constantly moving"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone being busy, active, or constantly in motion. The literal reference to being "on the move" is directly tied to movement or action, making this expression easily interpretable.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is exactly right or precise.

Meaning:
Something that is exactly right or precise.

Usage:

1. His estimate was right on the nose.
2. She hit the time on the nose.
3. The description was on the nose.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Precise," "Exact," "Accurate"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being exactly correct or precise, especially in terms of timing or accuracy. While the phrase can carry some figurative meaning, its connection to the literal words is clear and direct, often used in the context of something being "spot on."

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolized recovering from a setback, especially in a romantic context.

Meaning:
Recovering from a setback, especially in a romantic context.

Usage:

1. He started dating again on the rebound after his breakup.
2. She felt on the rebound after losing her job.
3. They advised her not to make decisions on the rebound.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Recovering," "Bouncing back," "Getting over"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone recovering after a setback, particularly in the context of relationships. The term "rebound" directly refers to a literal action of bouncing back, which is the core of the meaning.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes being on the path to success or achieving a goal.

Meaning:
Being on the path to success or achieving a goal.

Usage:

1. The project is on the right track now.
2. She feels on the right track with her career.
3. They are on the right track to completing the task.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Heading in the right direction," "On course," "Making progress"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means someone is following the correct course of action or path. The connection to being on a literal track, like a railway, makes the phrase easy to understand, referring to making progress in the right direction.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 20th century and symbolized agreement or understanding among people.

Meaning:
Agreement or understanding among people.

Usage:

1. They made sure everyone was on the same page before proceeding.
2. She felt they were on the same page regarding the project.
3. He asked if they were all on the same page about the plan.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"In agreement," "In sync," "Understanding each other"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means people are in agreement or have the same understanding of a situation. The phrase evokes the literal concept of sharing the same page in a book, referring to shared knowledge or alignment.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is done in addition to one's main activity, often secretly.

Meaning:
Something that is done in addition to one's main activity, often secretly.

Usage:

1. He works as a consultant on the side.
2. She has a small business on the side.
3. They learned he was running another project on the side.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Additionally," "Secretly," "Moonlighting"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something supplementary or additional, often in terms of side jobs or extra activities. The literal reference to the "side" makes the meaning clear, as in something that is not the main focus.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes immediate action or being put under pressure.

Meaning:
Immediate action or being put under pressure.

Usage:

1. He had to make a decision on the spot.
2. She was put on the spot with a tough question.
3. They fixed the problem on the spot.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Immediately," "Under pressure," "Instantly"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to be required to take immediate action or to be put in a situation where decisions need to be made quickly. The connection to being literally "on the spot" suggests urgency or pressure in that moment.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 18th century and symbolized doing something impulsively or without planning.

Meaning:
Doing something impulsively or without planning.

Usage:

1. They decided to go on a trip on the spur of the moment.
2. She bought the dress on the spur of the moment.
3. He made the suggestion on the spur of the moment.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Impulsively," "Without planning," "Spontaneously"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means acting without prior planning or thought, often impulsively. "Spur" connects directly to something sudden and without forethought, like a spur to a horse, making the meaning clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes something that is almost remembered or recalled.

Meaning:
Something that is almost remembered or recalled.

Usage:

1. The name was on the tip of his tongue.
2. She had the answer on the tip of her tongue.
3. They felt the word was on the tip of their tongue.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Almost remembered," "Nearly recalled," "Just about to say"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the feeling of knowing something but being unable to recall it at the moment, specifically when a word or name is just out of reach. While it carries a slight metaphorical sense, the meaning is tied closely to the individual words, indicating the specific sensation of struggling to remember.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes being in a risky or dangerous situation.

Meaning:
Being in a risky or dangerous situation.

Usage:

1. He's on thin ice with his boss after missing the deadline.
2. She knew she was on thin ice by ignoring the warnings.
3. They were on thin ice financially after the unexpected expenses.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Walking a tightrope," "In hot water," "On shaky ground"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means being in a precarious or risky situation. The connection to thin ice is literal, indicating danger and the possibility of something breaking, making the meaning easy to interpret.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of being punctual or arriving at the scheduled time. It comes from the idea of meeting a predetermined time.

Meaning:
To be punctual or arrive at the scheduled time.

Usage:

1. He made sure to arrive on time for the meeting.
2. She prided herself on always being on time.
3. They emphasized the importance of being on time for appointments.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Punctual," "Prompt," "Timely."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it simply means arriving at the scheduled or expected time, and the literal meaning of "on" and "time" conveys the intended message. There's no figurative meaning hidden within the words, so the expression retains its direct and literal connection to being punctual, categorizing it as a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes discovering or realizing something important.

Meaning:
Discovering or realizing something important.

Usage:

1. She felt she was on to something with her new idea.
2. He knew they were on to something when the results came in.
3. They realized they were on to something big.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Discovering," "Uncovering," "Realizing"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to discovering or beginning to understand something important. The "on" here implies being in the process of or having started something significant, making the meaning easy to understand directly from the words.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes having one last drink before leaving.

Meaning:
Having one last drink before leaving.

Usage:

1. They decided to have one for the road before heading home.
2. He offered her one for the road as they were leaving the party.
3. She suggested they take one for the road after dinner.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Last drink," "Final toast," "Farewell drink"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the final drink or something done just before leaving. The expression literally connects to having something before leaving, particularly in the context of a social setting or journey, without needing figurative interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 17th century and symbolizes the idea that something that is worthless to one person may be valuable to another.

Meaning:
Something that is worthless to one person may be valuable to another.

Usage:

1. She loves finding old furniture because one man's trash is another man's treasure.
2. He always finds great deals at yard sales because one man's trash is another man's treasure.
3. They turned discarded items into art, proving one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Value is subjective," "Beauty in the eye of the beholder," "Different strokes for different folks"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it conveys the idea that something discarded by one person may be valuable to another. While it carries a metaphorical meaning, the meaning is still closely tied to the idea that value is subjective, making it a direct phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes someone or something that is easy to understand or transparent.

Meaning:
Someone or something that is easy to understand or transparent.

Usage:

1. She is an open book when it comes to her feelings.
2. He wanted to be an open book with his intentions.
3. They described their process as an open book.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Transparent," "Easy to understand," "Honest"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a person whose thoughts or feelings are easy to understand. The connection to a literal book is clear, where an open book is one that can be read easily, referring to transparency or openness in a person.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 18th century and symbolizes being active and going places.

Meaning:
Being active and going places.

Usage:

1. She loves being out and about on the weekends.
2. He was out and about running errands all day.
3. They enjoy being out and about in the city.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Active," "Going places," "Busy"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it simply refers to being active, involved, or traveling outside one's home. While there may be a slight metaphorical element, the meaning is largely tied to the direct idea of being physically active or out in the world.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes being unable to perform due to injury or malfunction.

Meaning:
Being unable to perform due to injury or malfunction.

Usage:

1. The athlete is out of action due to a sprained ankle.
2. The machine is out of action until it gets repaired.
3. She was out of action after the surgery.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unavailable," "Inoperative," "Incapacitated"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something or someone being temporarily inactive or not functioning, often used when someone is incapacitated or a machine is not working. The meaning closely ties to the literal interpretation of being "out" of the expected or normal state of action, although it can also be metaphorical in certain contexts.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the 19th century and symbolized being outside the acceptable limits or boundaries.

Meaning:
Being outside the acceptable limits or boundaries.

Usage:

1. The ball was out of bounds, so the play stopped.
2. His comments were out of bounds and offended many people.
3. She ventured out of bounds during the hike.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Beyond limits," "Forbidden," "Unacceptable"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is not allowed or is beyond a certain limit. The literal concept of being "out of bounds," like in sports, translates directly into a restriction or limit, making it a straightforward phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is not working or functioning.

Meaning:
Something that is not working or functioning.

Usage:

1. The elevator is out of commission until further notice.
2. Her laptop was out of commission after the spill.
3. They had to close the gym because the equipment was out of commission.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Broken," "Inoperative," "Not working"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is not functioning, particularly in the context of machines or systems. "Out of commission" connects directly to something being unavailable for use, indicating a literal state of disrepair or non-operation.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 20th century and symbolizes something that is unmanageable or chaotic.

Meaning:
Something that is unmanageable or chaotic.

Usage:

1. The situation quickly spiraled out of control.
2. She felt her emotions were out of control.
3. The crowd became out of control during the event.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Unmanageable," "Chaotic," "Wild"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to the literal or contextual idea of something or someone being beyond management or regulation. The meaning is clear and direct, as it describes a situation where control has been lost, even if it can have some metaphorical use.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes behavior that is inappropriate or unacceptable.

Meaning:
Behavior that is inappropriate or unacceptable.

Usage:

1. His behavior was out of line during the meeting.
2. She knew she was out of line with her remarks.
3. They warned him not to step out of line.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Inappropriate," "Unacceptable," "Misconduct"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to a deviation from expected behavior, suggesting something is not following the accepted rules or standards. While there is a figurative component, the phrase remains grounded in its original meaning of being "out of place" or "unacceptable."

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes something that is not functioning properly or is inappropriate.

Meaning:
Something that is not functioning properly or is inappropriate.

Usage:

1. The vending machine is out of order.
2. His comments were out of order during the meeting.
3. The elevator sign said it was out of order.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Broken," "Inappropriate," "Not working"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to something not functioning correctly, typically a machine or system. The literal meaning of "out of order" refers to a malfunction or break in the expected sequence, though it can be used metaphorically in some cases.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 20th century and symbolizes being uninformed or not included in a group or process.

Meaning:
Being uninformed or not included in a group or process.

Usage:

1. He felt out of the loop when decisions were made without him.
2. She was out of the loop regarding the latest office gossip.
3. They tried to keep him in the loop, so he wouldn't feel left out.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Uninformed," "Excluded," "Not in the know"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or contextual idea of being excluded from a group or not informed about certain information. While it can be metaphorical, the meaning is tied to the idea of "loop" representing involvement or knowledge, making the connection clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes something that is not possible or acceptable.

Meaning:
Something that is not possible or acceptable.

Usage:

1. Working on weekends is out of the question for her.
2. Moving to another city right now is out of the question.
3. They decided that cutting the budget further was out of the question.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Impossible," "Unacceptable," "Not an option"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is not possible or not allowed, using the context of a "question" to imply something that cannot be considered. The phrase remains grounded in the literal sense of being beyond the realm of possibility.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of having no more time left to complete something. It comes from the idea of running out of allocated time.

Meaning:
To have no more time left to complete something.

Usage:

1. They ran out of time before finishing the exam.
2. She realized she was out of time to submit the proposal.
3. He knew they were out of time to make changes.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Time's up," "No time left," "Deadline passed."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to the literal situation where time has run out, and there is no more time available for an activity. The meaning is closely tied to the words themselves and is clearly understood in context, so it remains a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes something extra or in addition to what is expected.

Meaning:
Something extra or in addition to what is expected.

Usage:

1. He completed his tasks over and above what was required.
2. She went over and above in helping her colleagues.
3. They provided services over and above their contract terms.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Extra," "In addition," "Above and beyond"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to something being in addition to or beyond what is required or expected, often in the context of an extra effort or an amount surpassing a threshold. It is tied to the literal meaning of exceeding a boundary or limit.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes the need to apologize for a wrongdoing or mistake.

Meaning:
The need to apologize for a wrongdoing or mistake.

Usage:

1. He realized he owed her an apology for his behavior.
2. She knew she owed him an apology for the misunderstanding.
3. They acknowledged they owed an apology to their customers.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Need to apologize," "Should apologize," "Responsible for apology"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it directly refers to the act of needing to apologize or being in debt for an apology due to an action. The literal interpretation of "owing" something is clear, though it can imply a moral or social obligation, but it remains rooted in this direct meaning.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the 19th century and symbolizes because of or due to something.

Meaning:
Because of or due to something.

Usage:

1. The event was canceled owing to bad weather.
2. She was late owing to traffic.
3. They made changes owing to customer feedback.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Because of," "Due to," "Resulting from"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the reason or cause behind something, as in "due to." The connection to the literal meaning is clear as it denotes causality, even though it can be metaphorically used to explain circumstances.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the 19th century and symbolizes admitting to a mistake or wrongdoing.

Meaning:
Admitting to a mistake or wrongdoing.

Usage:

1. He decided to own up to his mistake.
2. She owned up to breaking the vase.
3. They urged him to own up to his actions.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Confess," "Admit," "Take responsibility"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to the act of admitting or taking responsibility for something, especially when one has done something wrong. The meaning ties closely to the literal words, suggesting accountability in a straightforward way.