Think You Know These Famous Phrases? Think Again…
Hello, Wordsmiths!
Welcome back to The Lexicon Laboratory, where we uncover the hidden gems of language, explore delightful words, and sprinkle a little linguistic magic into your day.
This week, we are taking a curious stroll through some of the most commonly misunderstood phrases in the English language. You have probably heard them countless times, but what if I told you their original meanings were quite different — and in some cases, the complete opposite of what we believe today?
From forgotten endings to misquoted wisdom, these phrases have twisted and turned their way through history. Let’s set the record straight.
Note: The example sentences throughout this newsletter are based on the original intended meanings of these phrases.
Blood is thicker than water
Common Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than friendships or other relationships.
Original Meaning: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”
The Story: This phrase can be traced back to ancient texts, where “blood” symbolized bonds formed through chosen alliances — like friendships or sworn brotherhoods. The “water of the womb” referred to family ties. Over time, the first half of the phrase became more popular, completely reversing the intended meaning.
Examples:
They may not be related, but their friendship proves that blood is thicker than water.
Loyalty in business partnerships often shows that blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.
The enduring bond they shared was proof that the ties of choice are often stronger than those of chance.
Jack of all trades, master of none
Common Meaning: Someone who dabbles in many things but excels at none.
Original Meaning: “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”
The Story: This phrase originated in the 16th century when being a “Jack of all trades” was seen as a compliment. The additional line about being “better than master of one” was intended to celebrate versatility, not mock it. Sadly, the second half of the phrase faded from use, leaving behind a far less flattering impression.
Examples:
She can bake, paint, and code — truly a Jack of all trades.
His varied skill set makes him adaptable; after all, a Jack of all trades is often better than a master of one.
Her ability to switch between tasks with ease proved that versatility is often the greatest skill of all.
Curiosity killed the cat
Common Meaning: Being too curious can get you into trouble.
Original Meaning: “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.”
The Story: The original phrase dates back to the late 1500s. It warned against unnecessary worry rather than curiosity itself. The forgotten ending — “but satisfaction brought it back” — turns the message around, encouraging curiosity as long as it leads to discovery or fulfillment.
Examples:
I know they say curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back — so I read the entire mystery novel in one night just to find out who did it!
Asking questions may seem risky, but remember — curiosity may kill the cat, but satisfaction brings it back.
Her relentless questions, far from reckless, proved that true satisfaction comes from a curious mind.
Great minds think alike
Common Meaning: Intelligent people often share the same thoughts or ideas.
Original Meaning: “Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ.”
The Story: The earliest version of this phrase appeared in the 17th century and included the lesser-known second half. The added line serves as a clever warning — just because you and someone else agree does not always mean it is a wise idea. Sometimes, it just means you are both following the crowd.
Examples:
We both chose the same outfit? Great minds think alike — but I suppose fools seldom differ!
The team’s identical solutions were a reminder that great minds think alike… but fools seldom differ.
While some saw their agreement as brilliance, others quietly remembered that fools seldom differ.
Rome was not built in a day
Common Meaning: Important things take time to achieve.
Original Meaning: “Rome was not built in a day, but it burned in one.”
The Story: While the first half of this phrase remains widely known, the forgotten second half adds a layer of wisdom — success may take time, but destruction can be swift and devastating. This version likely emerged in the 18th century as a reminder to stay vigilant even after success is achieved.
Examples:
I know learning French feels slow, but Rome was not built in a day.
Our company’s success has been hard-earned — and I remind my team that while Rome was not built in a day, it can burn in one.
She spent years building her career, aware that Rome may not have been built in a day, but could burn in one.
This Week’s Challenge:
For this week’s challenge, I invite you to craft a witty or thought-provoking sentence using one of these phrases — but with its original meaning in mind.
Example:
“As they argued over dinner, she quietly recalled that great minds think alike — but fools seldom differ — and wisely held her tongue.”
I cannot wait to read your clever entries! Feel free to reply to this email with your sentence, and I may feature some of my favorites in the next edition.
Language is like a time capsule, preserving stories from the past in phrases we still use today. I hope this week’s edition leaves you feeling inspired to sprinkle these forgotten meanings into your conversations.
If you enjoyed this issue, why not share The Lexicon Laboratory with a fellow word lover? After all, the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.
Stay curious, stay clever, and may your words always leave an impression.
See you next time,
The Inkwell Alchemist