7. Bring Home The Bacon



Today it means to earn money, particularly for one's family, and to be financially successful.

In the past, in Great Dunmow, Essex, if a person could obtain pork it would make them feel quite special. It was a sign of wealth and stature. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. Yummy!

8. Break a Leg



Today it is said to actors for good luck before they go on stage, especially on opening nights.

In the past, there are a number of theories about the origin. The most colorful is that the phrase refers to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by the actor John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theater, when Booth jumped from Lincoln's box to the stage, breaking his leg. Ouch!

9. Bury The Hatchet



Today it means to settle your differences with an adversary.

In the past, it was a practice of North American Indians. When two tribes would make peace with each other, the chiefs of both tribes would bury an ax or a hatchet in the ground to signify the peace treaty. It showed their good faith, and made it impossible for them to go on fighting. What a party killer, right?

10. A Square meal



Today it means a substantial and nourishing meal.

In the past, a person's dinner plate was a square piece of wood with a bowl carved out to hold your serving of the stew that was cooking over the fire. The kettle was never actually emptied and cleaned out. New ingredients were simply added to it and you always got a square meal.