Why Do We Say That?

We very often use old sayings that have been passed, by word of mouth, down through the ages. Most of the time we have no idea how these sayings came about. Below are some of the sayings and an explanation of their origins.

SENT TO COVENTRY
The most likely explanation for this old saying is that during the English Civil War Royalists captured in the Midlands were sent to Coventry. They were held prisoner in St. John's Church and the local people shunned them and refused to speak to them.

A LONG SHOT
A long shot is an option with only a small chance of success. In the past guns were only accurate at short range. So a "long shot" (fired over a long distance) only had a small chance of hitting its target.

GO TO POT
Any farm animal that had outlived its usefulness such as a hen that no longer laid eggs would literally go to pot. It was cooked and eaten.

DUTCH COURAGE
In the 17th century England and Holland were rivals. They fought wars in 1652-54, 1665-67 and 1672-74. It was said (very unfairly) that the Dutch had to drink alcohol to build up their courage. Other insulting phrases are Going Dutch (meaning you pay for yourself) and Double Dutch meaning gibberish.