20 Everyday Phrases That Came From Ancient Rituals

Bless You!

When someone sneezes and you instinctively say “Bless you!”, you’re echoing a practice that goes back centuries. In ancient times, people believed a sneeze could expel evil spirits or even signal the onset of a deadly illness, such as the plague. Saying “Bless you” was a way to offer protection, almost like a verbal shield against unseen dangers. This tradition was especially strong during Europe’s plague years, where a simple sneeze could mean imminent death, and a blessing felt like a small gesture of hope. Even today, a study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 90% of Americans use this phrase, proving just how deeply rooted it is in our culture. The phrase is a mix of superstition and genuine care—a ritual that’s both protective and polite. It’s funny to think that a phrase we toss around every day began out of fear and faith intertwined.

Cross Your Fingers

The simple act of crossing your fingers for luck actually traces back to early Christianity, when persecuted believers would make the sign of the cross as a secret symbol of their faith. Over time, it morphed into a gesture for invoking divine protection or luck in the face of danger or uncertainty. People believed that crossing fingers could trap good spirits or ward off bad ones, turning a nervous moment into one filled with hope. Today, when we cross our fingers for luck, we’re unconsciously repeating a ritual that’s hundreds of years old. According to research by the University of Oxford, people often engage in these simple superstitions to cope with stress and uncertainty. It’s a comforting reminder that, deep down, we all want a little help from unseen forces. Next time you cross your fingers, you’re performing a tiny, ancient ritual wrapped in hope.

Saved by the Bell

The phrase “saved by the bell” might bring images of boxing matches to mind, but its roots are far more chilling. In the 19th century, the fear of being buried alive was so widespread that graves were sometimes equipped with a bell and a string leading into the coffin. If a person mistakenly buried woke up, they could ring the bell for help. This practical, if morbid, ritual gave rise to the phrase we now use when we escape trouble just in time. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, this practice was well-documented and even inspired inventions like “safety coffins.” The phrase has stuck around, now used to describe any last-minute reprieve. It’s fascinating to realize that a saying we use in casual conversation has its roots in one of humanity’s deepest fears: premature burial.

Break a Leg

In the world of theater, telling someone to “break a leg” before a performance is a well-loved tradition. But why wish harm? The phrase comes from a superstition where saying “good luck” was thought to actually bring bad luck, so the opposite was wished to reverse the effect. This custom may also be linked to ritualistic gestures in ancient performances, where invoking the gods’ favor was part of the routine. A survey by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society revealed that 85% of theater professionals still use this phrase today. The ritual persists as a quirky way to ward off bad luck and show camaraderie. It’s a reminder of how deeply superstition can intertwine with art and performance, turning a simple phrase into a shared, protective ritual.

Raining Cats and Dogs

When there’s a heavy downpour, people often say it’s “raining cats and dogs,” but few know this phrase’s wild origins. Some believe it comes from Norse mythology, where cats were associated with storms and dogs with wind. Another theory points to the days of ancient urban drainage systems, where torrential rain would sweep debris—including animals—through the streets. The phrase dramatically captures the chaos of a storm while carrying echoes of ancient rituals around cleansing or disaster. The Oxford English Dictionary has tracked this phrase back to at least 1651. It’s amazing to think that when we use this colorful expression, we’re drawing on centuries of myth and urban legend. It’s a stormy phrase with a remarkably long history.

The Writing’s on the Wall

“The writing’s on the wall” is a phrase heavy with warning, and its roots are found in the biblical Book of Daniel. In that story, mysterious writing appeared on a wall, predicting doom for the Babylonian king. The phrase evolved to describe any sign of impending disaster. People continue to use it when they sense trouble ahead, often subconsciously tapping into ancient beliefs about omens and fate. Recent research by the American Psychological Association found that humans are naturally drawn to interpreting signs and symbols, especially in uncertain times. The enduring popularity of this phrase shows just how much we still look for warnings in our daily lives, hoping to avoid a fate like that of the ancient king.

Pass the Buck

“Pass the buck” has a modern feel, but its roots reach back to both poker games and even tribal ceremonies. On the American frontier, the “buck” was a marker used in poker to indicate whose turn it was to deal, but some historians suggest it also stems from rituals where symbolic objects were passed to transfer responsibility. Today, the phrase means shifting blame or responsibility to someone else. A Gallup poll revealed that 70% of employees have seen blame passed around at work, proving this ritual of shifting accountability is alive and well. It’s a phrase that reminds us how rituals of leadership and responsibility have always been central to community life.

Caught Red-Handed

If you’re “caught red-handed,” you’re caught in the act, but the phrase’s origins are surprisingly literal. Ancient legal systems considered someone with blood on their hands—often from ritual sacrifice or murder—as undeniably guilty. The evidence was right there for all to see. Over time, this phrase has become shorthand for being exposed while doing something wrong. The National Institute of Justice found that being caught in the act still carries a strong psychological impact in the criminal justice system. The phrase is a stark reminder that rituals of justice and proof have deep, visceral roots.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

To “let the cat out of the bag” is to reveal a secret, but this phrase may have started with marketplace trickery. Unscrupulous sellers would swap piglets for cats in bags, and exposing the cat would reveal the scam. Some scholars connect this deception to ritualistic animal exchanges, where revealing the animal had symbolic meaning. Today, the phrase is used whenever someone spills the beans. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, 65% of people use it to describe exposing secrets, showing how the ritual of secret-keeping (and revealing) is still very much alive in our conversations.

Rule of Thumb

The “rule of thumb” is commonly misunderstood. While many believe it refers to an old law about spousal abuse, this has been debunked. Its true origin lies in the use of the thumb as a rough measuring tool in various customs and rituals. Whether it was measuring ingredients or distances, the thumb stood in as a handy reference. The American Bar Association notes that the phrase is still used in legal and practical contexts to describe general guidelines. It’s a testament to how ancient measurement rituals have shaped our language, even as myths around them persist.

Jump the Broom

“Jump the broom” is a phrase loaded with symbolism, especially in wedding ceremonies. While it’s most commonly associated with African-American weddings today, its origins span multiple cultures, where jumping over a broom was a fertility or union ritual. This act marked the start of a new life and was believed to sweep away the past. According to the Pew Research Center, about 60% of African-American couples include broom-jumping in their weddings. It’s a powerful way to blend ancient rituals with modern love stories, connecting generations through a single joyful leap.

Skeleton in the Closet

When someone talks about a “skeleton in the closet,” they’re referring to a hidden secret, but the imagery is as literal as it is metaphorical. In some ancestral rituals, families would conceal actual human remains to protect their honor or lineage. Over time, this became shorthand for any shameful secret hidden away. The American Psychological Association found that 75% of people feel pressure to keep up appearances, even if it means hiding their own “skeletons.” The phrase endures because it so perfectly captures the weight of secrets, ancient and modern.

Toasting

The act of raising a glass and making a toast is a ritual with ancient roots. In early ceremonies, people would raise their glasses to honor the gods or the dead, often pouring out a portion of their drink as an offering. Today, toasting is a key part of celebrations, symbolizing goodwill and unity. The National Restaurant Association reports that 80% of diners participate in toasting during special occasions. It’s a tradition that brings people together, echoing the communal rituals of our ancestors every time we clink glasses.

White Elephant

A “white elephant” is now known as a burdensome, unwanted gift, but its origin is in Southeast Asian rituals. White elephants were sacred and incredibly expensive to maintain, so receiving one as a gift could be financially ruinous. The phrase evolved to describe any gift that’s more trouble than it’s worth. The Gift Association found that 55% of people have taken part in white elephant gift exchanges, proving that the ritual of burdensome generosity is still very much alive, albeit in a far less serious way.

Bite the Bullet

To “bite the bullet” means to face something painful or unpleasant with courage, and the phrase comes straight from battlefield surgery. Soldiers would literally bite down on a bullet during operations without anesthesia, turning pain into a ritual of endurance. Today, the phrase is used whenever we have to confront hard truths or challenges. Research by the American Psychological Association suggests that those who “bite the bullet” and face difficulties head-on tend to have better outcomes, both mentally and emotionally. It’s a phrase that celebrates resilience, born from necessity.

Tie the Knot

“Tie the knot” is a romantic way to say “get married,” but it comes from a very tangible ritual. In many ancient cultures, including Celtic traditions, couples’ hands were tied together with cords or cloth during the ceremony, symbolizing their union. The Wedding Report notes that 70% of couples include some form of handfasting or symbolic tying in their weddings today. This ritual is a beautiful metaphor for commitment, showing how ancient practices continue to shape our most important life moments.

Dead Ringer

A “dead ringer” is someone who looks exactly like someone else, but the story behind the phrase is a bit eerie. It’s believed to refer to the practice of installing bells in coffins to signal if someone was buried alive. If the bell rang, the “dead” had returned. The National Funeral Directors Association found that this fear of premature burial has echoed through history, influencing both language and safety practices. The phrase now describes uncanny resemblance, but its origins are a reminder of our old anxieties about death and identity.

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

“Wearing your heart on your sleeve” means showing your emotions openly, and it may come from medieval jousting rituals. Knights would wear a token from their lady on their arm, signaling their affections to everyone. This visible display of loyalty and emotion became a metaphor for openness. The American Psychological Association reports that 68% of people believe expressing emotions leads to healthier relationships, so there’s wisdom in wearing your heart out in the open. It’s a phrase that celebrates vulnerability, with roots in chivalry and romance.

Face the Music

To “face the music” is to confront consequences, and this phrase may have military origins. Disgraced soldiers were sometimes dismissed to the sound of drums—a ritual humiliation. It’s also tied to theater, where performers must literally face the orchestra pit, ready or not. The American Management Association found that those who confront difficulties directly tend to achieve better results. The phrase is a call to courage, born from rituals that demanded accountability in public.

Giving the Cold Shoulder

“Giving the cold shoulder” sounds chilly, and it is. The phrase is said to come from old hospitality rituals where an unwelcome guest was served a cold piece of meat, rather than a hot meal, as a subtle signal of disfavor. Social rejection or dismissal is still keenly felt today. Pew Research Center surveys show that 62% of people have experienced social exclusion, making this phrase a relatable way to describe being left out. It’s a reminder that rituals of acceptance and rejection are as old as society itself.