Question

Pick 3 well-known idioms from the Native American / American Indian culture (an idiom is a phrase or manner of speaking that is unique to a particular group). Explain how it is unique due to unique history, values, beliefs, or environment of the culture.

Answer 1

1. Bury the hatchet : To end the conflict

This phrase comes from 1600's. There were peace talks between Native Americans and Puritans. After these talks, the chiefs of tribes buried their hatchets, knives etc to make weapons inaccessible.

2. Burn the midnight oil : To work late at night

When people used to use the oil lamps for lighting, the whale oil was the most expensive thing to afford for most people. Hence it means thay one has a task so important that he is spending expensive oil to complete the task.

3. Butter someone up : To praise or flatter someone excessively.

In ancient times it was a tradition to throw butter ball of ghee at the statues of god's for favours and forgiveness.