Origin of Phrases - C

Cut from the same cloth

Meaning: To be similar, usually in terms of behavior.

Example: You and your father are cut from the same cloth; fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son.

Origin: If you're making a suit, the jacket and trousers should be cut from the same piece of cloth to ensure a perfect match, since there may be differences in color, weave etc. between batches of fabric. Only if the whole suite is cut from the same piece of cloth can we be sure of the match.

Origin of Phrases - C

Cold turkey

Meaning: To quit something abruptly.

Example: You will not lose weight until you give up chocolate, and I suggest you go cold turkey.

Origin: The expression originates from the goose bumps and palor which accompany withdrawal from narcotics or tobacco. One's skin resembles that of a plucked, cold turkey....

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Origin of Phrases - C

Chew the fat

Meaning: To talk about unimportant things.

Example: Sit down, have a beer, and let's chew the fat.

Origin: The Inuit (different from Eskimos) used to chew on pieces of whale blubber almost like chewing gum. The blubber took quite a while to dissolve, so it just sort of helped pass the time while they were doing something else. Some other cultures may have used bacon fat in a similar way.

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Origin of Phrases - C

Cat bird seat

Meaning: A highly advantaged position, to have it all.

Example: Some might describe Bill Gates as sitting in the cat bird seat.

Origin: Mocking birds are sometimes referred to as cat birds. Mocking birds typically sit at the top of a tree. Hence the cat bird seat is at the top.