Why Do We Say That?

WHITE ELEPHANT
In Siam (modern day Thailand) white or pale elephants were very valuable. The king sometimes gave a white elephant to a person he disliked. It might seem a wonderful gift but it was actually a punishment because it cost too much to keep.

WASH MY HANDS OF
The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, refused to be involved in the death of an innocent person (Jesus). So he washed his hands in front of the crowd, symbolically disassociating himself from the execution.

WARTS AND ALL
When Oliver Cromwell 1599-1658 had his portrait painted he ordered the artist not to flatter him. He insisted on being painted 'warts and all'.

FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH
You can tell a horse's age by examining his teeth. A horse dealer may lie to you but you can always find out the truth 'from the horses mouth'.