IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishan old wives' tale
Meaning: A traditional belief, especially about health, that is not true.
Example: “Going out with wet hair doesn't give you a cold; that's an old wives' tale.”
Origin: "Wife" once meant simply "woman." The phrase appears in English Bible translations (1 Timothy 4:7, "old wives' fables") and is found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Un remède de bonne femme Literally: A good woman's remedy
More English idioms
- at a snail's pace Very slowly.
- no picnic Not easy or pleasant.
- the lean years A period of hardship and scarcity.
- worship the golden calf To value money and wealth above everything.
- a poisoned chalice Something that seems attractive but brings trouble to whoever accepts it.
- at the top of one's lungs As loudly as possible.
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