Sayings We Forgot Were Strange: 250 Curious Origins of Everyday Phrases, Idioms, Insults, Proverbs, and Old Expressions

Why do we say someone has "e;let the cat out of the bag"e;? Why is a false clue called a "e;red herring"e;? What does it mean to be "e;caught red-handed,"e; "e;beyond the pale,"e; or "e;worth your salt"e;?Most people use these phrases every day without giving them a second thought. Hidden inside them are forgotten worlds. Ancient rituals. Medieval markets. Public punishments. Sailing ships. Tavern...