Random[idiom]

Sometimes things don’t go as planned—sometimes they go sideways, downhill, or ... pear-shaped! In this episode of Randomidiom , we dive into the origin of the expression "things went pear-shaped." Guided by linguists Dr. Lynne Murphy and Ben Yagoda, we track how RAF aerobatic jargon crossed the Atlantic to become a mainstream American idiom. Woven throughout is the dramatic true story of...

Why do we call people "born losers?" Where did this idiom come from? Join us as we explore how the rise of capitalism in America impacts our language today. We will learn about the The Market Revolution, Henry David Thoreau, and the history of "born Loser." We talk to Dr. Scott Sandage, Author of Born Losers: A History of Failure in America, and Dr. Samuel West of the museum of Failure. Thanks for...

This episode explores the idiom "flash in the pan." We are talking about Segway's, muskets, and failure! Guests: Don N. Hagist, author – Noble Volunteers: The British Soldiers Who Fought the American Revolution, Editor of The Journal of The American Revolution Dr Samuel West, founder and curator – Museum of Failure Sources: EF Tours Blog – Dean Kamen: Inventions and Opportunities in...

RANDOMiDiOM is a story-filled history podcast. Learn about intriguing events and fascinating people as we explore expressions like "let the cat out of the bag" and "bite the bullet." We talk to historians, linguists, authors, scholars and other special guests! The stories are waiting. All we need is a random idiom! randomidiom.com Instagram: @randomidiom X: @randomidiompod emai...