by Dictionary Scoop
In honor of summer solstice tomorrow we have cherry-picked 10 expressions related to plants and flowers that will make you want to go outside and smell the roses!
1–Beat around the bush
Some people are direct and cut to the chase, and others take their time to say what they have to say. When we need to discuss something important with one of the latter and they keep beating around the bush instead of getting to the point, it can be really annoying, don’t you think?
But who would have thought that this expression we use every day without giving it a second thought is actually related to nature? The first written record dates back to 1572. It appears in a text by the Elizabethan poet George Gascoigne, although it was probably a metaphor used regularly at the time. Apparently, it has its origins in a game of bird hunting. Beating is the practice of striking plants with a stick to make the birds come out of hiding and thus catch them in flight.
2–Can’t see the forest for the trees
When we are faced with a conundrum or have to make a life-changing decision, it is sometimes difficult to figure out what’s really important. We are probably focusing on a specific, small aspect of the problem and fail to see the big picture. When this happens, a good friend will ideally help us gain some perspective and say: “You can’t see the forest for the trees!”
This proverbial idiom originated in the 16th century and makes perfect sense: back then, before cities took over, people’s contact with nature was an everyday thing. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it first appeared in 1546 as part of the works of English writer John Heywood.
3–Up a gum tree
Imagine a small animal running from the clutches of a large predator. The only thing in sight is a tall, fragrant tree. If it can climb up to the top, it will be safe, but the beast will still be waiting below with sharp teeth. This is how the idiom up a gum tree came to mean to be in a predicament or in a problem that is difficult to get out of.
Its origin is not so clear. Some etymologists suggest it is a phrase that appeared in Australia, where gum tree is the common name for the Eucalyptus. Others found records from the early 19th century in the United States. There was even a folk song called “The ‘possum up the gum-tree” that stood the test of time only as a popular expression.
4–Wither on the vine
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, wither means “to become dry and sapless” or “to lose vitality, force, or freshness.” When we leave fruit abandoned on the vine, it goes to waste, and to be honest, the same thing happens with all aspects of life.
The idiom wither on the vine —an equivalent of die on the vine— is used to express that something failed to be implemented or dealt with because of neglect or inaction. The Oxford Dictionary says it probably originated in the biblical image of a withered vine as a metaphor for physical or spiritual impoverishment.
5–A tree is known by its fruit
To continue with trees, fruits, and biblical references, this proverbial idiom means that a person’s character should be judged by their actions —and the results of those actions— and not so much by appearances, prejudices, or what they have to say about themselves.
This parable appears in at least two different sermons in the New Testament. From Matthew 7:15-20: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruit.”
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