Spitting image

Meaning an exact likeness, this phrase is likely a corruption of "spit and image." In the 17th century, "spit" was used to mean an exact replica — as if someone had been spat out of another person's mouth. The "image" part reinforced the visual resemblance, and over time "spit and image" was compressed into "spitting image."

Explore More Origins

Cat got your tongue Run amok Raining on someone's parade Hold a candle to Off the record Fly off the handle

Put your skills to the test

Many of the idioms explored here appear as hidden solutions in our daily cryptogram puzzle. Try solving today's cipher.

Browse All Phrases Play Today's Puzzle