This expression comes from the 17th century when wooden planks were attached to the side of a ship. When a sailor had to go out and fix something outside the ship he was at danger of falling in the water.
- Between the devil and the deep blue sea
- Fly on the wall
- Got out of the wrong side of bed
- Burn the midnight oil
Answer
The correct answer is A) Between the devil and the deep blue sea.
More General Knowledge questions
- The original version of this idiom was to beat the pistol. It became popular in the early 1900s when it was referred a race before the starter fired the pistol.
- The origin of this expression comes from the 9th century. People then paid high taxes and if they did not pay, their nose was cut off.
- This idiom was initiated by popular card games in the past. It was often used when a throw was out of play or not lying flat; in this case, the throw was considered not valid.
- This expression evolved around the 14th century when pins were invented. Pin makers then offered pins for general sale, only on the 1st and 2nd of January. The upper class women would get an allowance from their husbands to buy pins.
- This expression became popular first among the hedonists of the early 19th century. Opium pipe smoking was fashionable among them.
- This expression appeared when sea voyages were the only way to travel a great distance. There were women who gave birth on the ship, usually at the forward deck behind the main cannon.