BIG WIG
In the 18th century when many men wore wigs, the most important men wore the biggest wigs. Hence today important people are call big wigs.
BITE THE BULLET
This old saying means to grin and bear a painful situation. It comes from the days before anaesthetics. A soldier about to undergo an operation was given a bullet to bite.
DOUBTING THOMAS
This phrase comes from John 20: 24-27. After his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples. However one of them, named Thomas, was absent. When the others told him that Jesus was alive Thomas said he would not believe until he saw the marks on Jesus' hands and the wound in his side caused by a Roman spear. Jesus appeared again and told Thomas 'Stop doubting and believe!'
FLYING COLOURS
If a fleet won a clear victory the ships would sail back to port with their colours proudly flying from their masts.
