I was thinking about the phrase 'The pot calling the kettle black'. It comes from a time where cooking was done over open fires and cookware would become visibly ashy. (Fun fact: It first appears and was perhaps coined by Cervantes in Don Quixote!)

What are some other idioms that have lost their literal connection to time? What would be a good modern replacement?

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[–] 6 points 1 day ago (3 children)

When I was a kid, I remember asking my mom about this phrase because it made no sense to me. Why in the world would one even want a cake if they weren’t going to eat it? What is the point?! (I have always been particularly fond of cake — eating it, that is — who cares if it’s pretty if it tastes good?)

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  • [–] 5 points 1 day ago (2 children)

    According to legend, some people have what's called "deferred gratification", by which they drive pleasure out of knowing that they will get to eat the cake later.

    I don't get it either. I think it's a myth.

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