Where did the phrase right on come from?

This interjection has a disputed origin. Some believe it comes from African-American slang (it was recorded in Odum and Johnson's The Negro and His Songs, 1925); others feel it is a shortening of right on target, used by military airmen, or right on cue, theatrical slang for saying the right lines at the right time.

.

Keeping this in consideration, where did the phrase right up your alley come from?

right up one's alley In one's specialty, to one's taste, as in Writing press releases is right up her alley, or He loved opera, so this program of arias was right down his alley. These idioms use alley in the sense of "one's own province," a usage dating from the early 1600s. [First half of 1900s] Also see cup of tea.

Additionally, where did common sayings come from? Many everyday phrases are nautical in origin— “taken aback,” “loose cannon” and “high and dry” all originated at sea—but perhaps the most surprising example is the common saying “by and large.” As far back as the 16th century, the word “large” was used to mean that a ship was sailing with the wind at its back.

Likewise, where did the expression raincheck come from?

The phrase originated in the 1880s in the USA in reference to baseball games. If it rained heavily enough for a match to be postponed, the ticket holders to the match were given a "rain check", i.e., a voucher to attend another match.

When did people say right on?

In the 70s, if you were in agreement with something, you definitely said right on! The phrase was used as far back as the early 1900s, heard in African-American folk music, but the public was saying it far and wide by the '70s.

Related Question Answers

Where does the phrase Scott Free come from?

The expression 'Scot-free' originates from the Scandanavian word, 'Skat,' which means “tax” or “payment.” The word mutated into 'scot' as the name of redistributive taxation meant to provide relief to the poor during the 10th century.

Is it up your alley or down your alley?

up/down your alley. to be the type of thing that you are interested in or that you enjoy doing: Kate loves dancing, so salsa lessons would be right up her alley.

What does right up mean?

Definition of coming right up —used by someone (such as a waiter) to say that something will be served or delivered very quickly "I'd like a turkey sandwich and a glass of lemonade, please." " Coming right up!"

What does driving me up the wall mean?

drive someone up the wall. phrase. If you say that something or someone is driving you up the wall, you are emphasizing that they annoy and irritate you. [informal, emphasis] The heat is driving me up the wall.

What does in my wheelhouse mean?

in one's wheelhouse, Baseball. (of a pitch) within the zone that is most advantageous for a batter to hit a home run. within one's area of expertise or interest: There are some subjects that are in your wheelhouse and some that are not.

What does it mean to dash someone?

dash someone's hopes. Destroy someone's plans, disappoint or disillusion. For example, That fall dashed her hopes of a gold medal. This term uses dash in the sense of “destroy,” a usage surviving only in this idiom. [

What does done your dash mean?

do (one's) dash To do something to the fullest extent that one can. Primarily heard in Australia. Whew, I've done my dash!

What's up your alley?

If something is right up your alley, it is the kind of thing you like or know about. This should be right up my alley but, despite the film's special effects, I found it rather boring. I thought this little problem would be right up your alley. Note: You can also say that something is right down your alley.

What's another word for rain check?

rain check nounguarantee of rescheduled event or offer. assurance. postponement. promise. raincheck.

Where did raining cats and dogs come from?

“Cats and dogs” may come from the Greek expression cata doxa, which means “contrary to experience or belief.” If it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining unusually or unbelievably hard. “Cats and dogs” may be a perversion of the now obsolete word catadupe. In old English, catadupe meant a cataract or waterfall.

What is the meaning of the phrase rain check?

take a rain check (on sth) informal. used to tell someone that you cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later time: Mind if I take a rain check on that drink? I have to work late tonight.

How do you spell Reign check?

noun

1. a ticket for future use given to spectators at an outdoor event, as a baseball game or concert, that has been postponed or interrupted by rain.
2. an offered or requested postponement of an invitation until a more convenient, usually unspecified time: Since you can't join us for dinner, we'll give you a rain check.

Can we rain check today?

Today, it is also used when you are invited to an event, lunch, etc. and are unable to accept the invitation. The person inviting you to lunch may say "OK, I'll give you a rain check." or you might say "Thanks for the invitation I need a rain check." leading to having lunch another time.

What does it mean when a guy says rain check?

“Raincheck” means rescheduling. However, the person who asks for the raincheck is the one responsible for making new plans. If someone is facing a legitimate scheduling conflict (or sick) they will make every effort to reschedule, usually at the time they cancel. He was blowing you off.

Is it rain check or rain Cheque?

1 Answer. The entry in the OED is for rain check and it describes the spelling with cheque as rare. The check part is 'A token, usually a memorandum of receipt, a ticket, or piece of metal duly stamped or numbered, used for the purpose of identification, or as evidence of ownership or title'.

Is rain check one or two words?

A “rain check” (usually spelled as two words) was originally, when it first appeared in the US in the late 19th century, a ticket given to spectators at a sporting event called off due to weather, giving them the right to attend a future event without charge.

What is a rain check in dating?

Technically, a raincheck means that the person is open to going out another time. She doesn't seem overly enthusiastic, but it's hard to tell over text. It might actually be a really hectic period for her. Try again and see what happens, you have nothing to lose.

Why do we say for Pete's sake?

They originated as substitutes for something stronger—“for Christ's sake,” “for God's sake,” “for the love of God,” and so on. The Oxford English Dictionary explains that the name “Pete” in these exclamations is chiefly “a euphemistic replacement” for God.

What are common phrases?

Common Phrases In English

• A Chip on Your Shoulder. Being angry about something that happened in the past; holding a grudge.
• A Dime a Dozen.
• A Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted.
• A Piece of Cake.
• An Arm and a Leg.
• Back to Square One.
• Barking Up The Wrong Tree.
• Beating Around the Bush.