Why is a false clue a "red herring"? | IDIOM ORIGINS

Why is a false clue a "red herring"? | IDIOM ORIGINS

From Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris by Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

April 15, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 82

About this episode

Rob and Jess explore the origins of common sayings in another episode dedicated to the stories behind idioms.

Rob and Jess explore the origins of common sayings in another episode dedicated to the stories behind idioms. 🐟 What was the first "red herring"? 🪿 Is there a goose in a "wild goose chase"? 👮 Why is prison called "up the river"? Find the answers to these questions and many more in another wordy nerdy episode of Words Unravelled. WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/tRR-DHzD7mw 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/

People in this episode

Hosts: RobWords, Jess Zafarris

Topics covered

  • idiom origins
  • language
  • common sayings
  • etymology
  • cultural expressions

Keywords

  • red herring
  • wild goose chase
  • up the river
  • idioms
  • language origins

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Words Unravelled

More episodes of Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris podcast page.