In the 18 th century, pirate ships would deliberately lower their colours or display false colours to confuse other ships into thinking they were friendly. Real meaning: вЂColoursвЂ™ refer to a shipвЂ™s flags and, therefore, their identity. These slaves would be shipped down the Mississippi River and sold. Real meaning: During the abolition of the slave trade of the 19 th century, southern states in the US would continue to capture and sell slaves. Nowadays it has more of a negative connotation. In other words, they could вЂrest on their laurelsвЂ™. They were known as вЂlaureatesвЂ™ and allowed to retire because of their past achievements. Later on, the Romans also implemented this practice and awarded laurel crowns to successful generals. As a matter of fact, athletes were presented with wreaths made from laurel leaves to denote their prestige. Real meaning: In Ancient Greece, laurel leaves were associated with high status and achievement. Means: To sit back and rely on past achievements However, there was no way to adjust the volume in those days so the only way to lower the sound was to literally put a sock in the horn. Gramophones used to have large trumpet-shaped horns which provided the sound. Real meaning: Talking of volume and sound, here we have yet another one of those old sayings from the late 19 th century. Pulling out all the stops is the loudest an organ can play. Real meaning: In the late 19 th century, organists used stops to create volume whenever they played. On this particular night, however, the marquis and his friends went wild, vandalising houses and eventually painting the doors and a statue with red paint. Real meaning: There are several explanations for this old saying, but it is generally attributed to a night of drunken antics in 1837 by the Marquis of Waterford.ДЄccording to the records, the Marquis was a known drunk and renowned for his drunken rampages in the small English town of Melton Mowbray. Apparently, prisoners on their way to execution in London were allowed to stop along Oxford Street for one final drink before they died. Real meaning: This old saying dates back to the Middle Ages. Burning in the left ear indicated criticism whereas burning in the right ear was associated with praise. The left-hand side was associated with bad luck and the right side was good luck. They believed they were signs of good or bad luck, depending on where these sensations occurred. Real meaning: The Ancient Romans paid particular attention to bodily sensations. Real meaning: At medieval banquets, the host would give his guests a cut of cold meat, usually the shoulder, to indicate the feast was over and it was time to go home. Those who were ill were described as вЂbeing under the weatherвЂ™. This was the best place as it would protect the sailor from bad weather. Sailors would rest under the bow of a ship if they became seasick during a voyage. Real meaning: This is another one of those old sayings that come from the sea. This became associated with a lower social status.

Real meaning: As far back as the 17 th century, the lord of an estate would give the umbles (the less tasty parts of an animal) to his servants. In those days, a suit included the waistcoat and so it took nine yards of fabric to complete.

If you wanted one, you had it made especially for you.

Real meaning: There were no вЂoff the shelfвЂ™ suits in the 18 th century. They were put in a makeshift basket and referred to as вЂbasket casesвЂ™. Real meaning: In WW1, tragically many soldiers lost limbs and had to be carried. However, sometimes the dogs would lose the scent and select the wrong tree. The dogs would then sit and bark at the base of the tree, waiting for their masters. Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Real meaning: This is an old saying that originates in America and refers to hunting dogs in the early 19 th century. Means: Take the wrong approach or waste your efforts The Mad Hatter, from Lewis CarrollвЂ™s Alice in Wonderland, is based on this phenomenon. Real meaning: In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, hatters made felt hats with mercury, which lead to all kinds of side effects, including insanity. A hat would be dropped or swept in a downward arc and participants would begin. Real meaning: In the 19 th century, a hat was used to indicate the start of a race or a fight.

Old fashion love sayings