Disclaimer
Effective date: 21 July 2026IdiomJar publishes articles about the history and origins of English words and phrases. This page explains what our content is, what it isn't, and how to read the confidence levels we attach to origin stories.
General information only
All content on idiomjar.online is provided for general informational and educational purposes. It reflects our reading of published reference works and historical sources at the time of writing. It is not academic publication, and it should not be treated as an authoritative linguistic ruling or cited as primary scholarship.
Etymology is uncertain by nature
This is the caveat that matters most on a site like ours. Word and phrase origins are frequently debated, revised, or genuinely unknown. Spoken language leaves no trace until someone writes it down, so the earliest printed use is rarely the moment of coinage. New digitized archives regularly overturn long-held conclusions — the origin of "the whole nine yards" was reassessed exactly this way.
Because of that, we grade our claims instead of stating everything with equal confidence:
How to read our confidence labels
- Documented — a dated citation exists and the meaning matches.
- Likely — the best-supported explanation, widely accepted, without a source that states the link outright.
- Unsolved — the record genuinely doesn't answer it, and we say so.
- Folklore — a popular story with no supporting evidence, clearly labelled as a myth.
Where sources disagree, we try to show the disagreement rather than hide it. Where we're speculating, we say we're speculating.
No guarantee of accuracy
We research carefully, but we can't guarantee that every statement is complete, current or error-free. Scholarship changes and mistakes happen. We make no warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or availability of the website or its content.
Corrections
If you find an error — a wrong date, a misattributed quotation, a citation we missed — please tell us through the contact page. We correct posts when we're shown to be wrong and note significant changes. Being corrected is part of the method, not an embarrassment.
Not professional advice
Nothing on this site is professional advice of any kind. Some articles mention historical medical practices, workplace injuries, money terms or habits as part of a phrase's history. These are historical and linguistic notes only — not medical, legal, financial or psychological guidance. For any decision in those areas, consult a qualified professional.
Affiliate disclosure
If we ever earn from a link
IdiomJar is supported by advertising. We may also, from time to time, include affiliate links — links that earn us a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. Where a page contains affiliate links, we will say so clearly on that page. We do not accept payment in exchange for a favourable claim about a phrase's origin, and advertising never influences our research or conclusions.
External links
Our articles link to dictionaries, archives and other reference sites so readers can verify what we say. We don't control those sites and aren't responsible for their content, accuracy or availability. A link is not an endorsement of everything a site publishes.
Quotations and fair use
We quote short passages from historical texts, dictionaries and press reports for the purpose of commentary, criticism and scholarship, with attribution. If you believe material has been used improperly, contact us and we'll address it promptly.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, IdiomJar and its contributors are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of, or reliance on, information published on this website. Your use of the site is at your own risk.
Contact
Questions, corrections or concerns: email fwubnber68@gmail.com or use the contact page. See also our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions, and read more about our method on the About page.