
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
- How did The Beatles get their name? | ROCK 'N' ROLL · June 3, 2026 · 41 min
- Spanish words hiding in English · May 27, 2026 · 43 min
- The origins of the alphabet · May 20, 2026 · 42 min
- Who should you hit with a 'slapstick'? | COMEDY WORDS · May 13, 2026 · 41 min
- The Arabic words hiding in English · May 6, 2026 · 49 min
- What was so "complex" about Oedipus? | PSYCHOLOGY TERMS · April 29, 2026 · 46 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris podcast page.