The expression to run the traps means “to perform due diligence” or “solicit a wide variety of opinions” or “investigate every angle thoroughly.” This metaphor derives from the literal sense of running the traps, which refers to hunting and fishing...
The term fair game, now meaning a legitimate target for criticism or attack, comes from hunting law rather than board games or sports. Game first referred to contests and amusements such as athletic matches or backgammon, then by the 14th century...
Aaron, a law enforcement employee in the Midwest, asks about honey hole, used at work for a spot where parking citations are easy to write. The phrase honey hole has many recorded uses and meanings, including a hole in a tree or ground filled with...
We spoke on the show not long ago about how the phrase to keep something at bay derives from hunting. A listener wrote in with an evocative description of its origin, referring specifically to that period when cornered prey is able to keep predators...
The French horn, a beautiful instrument known for its mellow sound, originated as a hunting horn. The French merely added some innovations that made it more of a practical, usable instrument. But professional musicians often prefer to call it simply...
It used to be that you called any mixed-breed dog a mutt. But at today’s dog parks, you’re just as likely to run into schnugs, bassadors, and dalmadoodles. Also, if someone has a suntan, you might say he’s brown as a berry. But...
