5 Useful Idioms from the American Revolution

Article Information

Level: Intermediate
Date: April 19, 2025
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Language Born in Battle

The American Revolution didn’t just shape history—it also influenced the English language. Some expressions we still use today have roots in that time of war and change. Here are five useful idioms that came out of or were inspired by the Revolutionary era. You can still hear these phrases in meetings, conversations, and news headlines.

1. “Hold fire”

Originally a military command, this phrase told soldiers not to shoot yet, often used during tense standoffs when commanders were waiting for the right moment to attack or receive more information. During the American Revolution, timing was everything—firing too early could waste ammunition or give away a position. Today, “hold fire” means to pause or wait before taking action, especially when a situation is still developing or uncertain.
Example: “Let’s hold fire on the email until we confirm the details.”

2. “Bite the bullet”

This saying may have come from the painful battlefield practice of having soldiers bite a bullet during surgery, when anesthesia wasn’t available. During the American Revolution and earlier wars, injured soldiers sometimes had to undergo amputations or other procedures while fully conscious. Biting on a bullet—or sometimes leather—helped them cope with the extreme pain. The phrase later evolved into a metaphor for enduring hardship without complaint.
Example: “I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.”

3. “Call to arms”

In the Revolution, this meant gathering people to fight. As tensions with Britain rose, colonial leaders used “calls to arms” to rally volunteers to form militias and prepare for possible battles. These public messages, often spread by word of mouth, newspapers, or church bells, helped unite the colonies and build a shared sense of purpose. Today, it means a strong request to take action, often for a cause.
Example: “The speech was a call to arms for climate action.”

4. “Caught in the crossfire”

This referred to soldiers stuck between two fighting sides, often in dangerous no-man’s-land areas during chaotic gunfire. During the American Revolution, especially in battles near civilian towns, innocent bystanders or non-combatants could be unintentionally injured or killed by gunfire from both sides. In modern speech, it means getting involved in a conflict that isn’t your fault, often by accident or proximity.
Example: “She got caught in the crossfire during the argument between her teammates.”

5. “Stick to your guns”

This idiom came from soldiers staying firm in battle, literally holding their ground and continuing to fire even as the enemy advanced. During the American Revolution, militia members often fought in difficult conditions with limited support, and bravery under pressure was admired and remembered. The phrase reflects the idea of standing firm in your position, no matter how tough things get. Now, it means to stand by your beliefs or decisions, even under pressure from others to change.
Example: “He stuck to his guns even when others disagreed.”

Why Idioms Matter

Understanding idioms can help you sound more natural in conversation and better understand native speakers. These phrases add color, emotion, and history to everyday English. And since today marks the 250th anniversary of the Revolution’s beginning, it’s the perfect time to explore the language that grew out of that fight for independence.

Vocabulary Words

Command (n.): an order. – “The officer gave a command.”
Surgery (n.): medical treatment involving an operation. – “The soldier needed surgery.”
Conflict (n.): a serious disagreement or fight. – “They tried to avoid conflict.”
Belief (n.): an idea that someone accepts as true. – “She has strong beliefs.”
Pressure (n.): stress or influence from others. – “He felt pressure to finish the work quickly.”
Expression (n.): a group of words with a special meaning. – “‘Call to arms’ is a useful expression.”
Argument (n.): a verbal fight or disagreement. – “They had an argument about money.”
Natural (adj.): sounding normal or fluent. – “She speaks in a very natural way.”
Independence (n.): freedom from control. – “They fought for independence.”
Inspired (v.): gave ideas or motivation. – “The leader’s words inspired the team.”

Discussion Questions

About the Article

Which idiom did you find most interesting?
Why do you think these phrases are still used today?
How do idioms make language more powerful?
Have you heard or used any of these idioms before?
What’s the connection between history and language?

About the Topic

What’s an idiom from your language that people use often?
How do idioms help you understand a culture?
Do you think idioms are easy or difficult to learn? Why?
Can you think of a time when an idiom was confusing?
What are some ways to practice idioms in everyday English?

Idiom of the Day

Suggested Idiom: “Make history”
This idiom means to do something important that will be remembered.
Example: “By launching the first eco-friendly satellite, the team made history.”

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This article was inspired by history-based language resources and common American idioms.

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