Author Archives: Lior

Why tennis players wear white

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Lior

Since the late 1800s when the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club was founded there has been a strict dress code: competitors in their Tennis Championship games could wear any color… as long as it was white! But every time I watch … Continue reading →

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Symbols of Christmas: The Story of Christmas Lights

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Lior

One of the prettiest things that can be seen in the Christmas season is the beautiful array of lights adorning trees, street lamps and streaming across the top of homes. Christmas lights have evolved a lot over time and they … Continue reading →

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Acid Test Ratio & Acid Test Etymology

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Lior

Acid Test Meaning In the world of finance and banking, the term “acid test ratio” is a number that tells you about the financial integrity of the company. It tells you how likely a company is to pay its short-term … Continue reading →

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Nando’s Chicken and the Portuguese Rooster

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Lior

Why is there the Portuguese tradition of decorating things with good luck roosters?

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Why people go on pilgrimages

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Lior

Most of us have heard of people who have made religious pilgrimages but for those who are not particularly religious or those who know little about the details of a pilgrimage, the idea of what drives a person to walk … Continue reading →

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Nautical Fashion & The Breton Stripe: Why do sailors wear stripes?

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Lior

When you think “sailors” you may picture men in Cracker Jack style Dixie cup hats and Popeye-esque anchor tattoos, or you may picture men in navy and white horizontal “sailor stripe” shirts. Have you ever wondered why nautical fashion involves … Continue reading →

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Mothering Sunday: Britain’s History of Mother’s Day

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Lior

If you’re British or are familiar with British customs, you’ll know that in the UK there is a different date for Mother’s Day celebrations than in the States. What’s more, traditionally the British day of celebration is not known as … Continue reading →

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Why do we say butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth?

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Lior

The phrase “butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth” is one of the most misunderstood phrases in the English language. Some people think it is used to mean that a person is sweet and innocent whilst others are adamant that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Etymology | Tagged | 2 Comments

“In a nutshell” Meaning and Origin

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Lior

The idiom, “in a nutshell” is used when you want to say that the description you’re giving is concise, to-the-point and brief. It is the information boiled down to its simplest form. The question is: where do nuts enter this … Continue reading →

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Christmas Robin: Why are robins on Christmas cards?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Lior

If you’re ever in Britain around Christmas time, you’ll find pictures of robin red breasts adorning Christmas cards, ornaments, stamps, chocolate boxes, shop windows and Christmas wrapping paper. Their images can even be found decorating Christmas cakes. How did the … Continue reading →

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