I Didn't Know That

I know most everything anyway, but now I REALLY do. Thanks to a book I was given this past Christmas, I Didn't Know That. Here are a few gems to sink your teeth into...

Armed to the Teeth
The first to be armed to the teeth was an ancient Nordic tribe known as the Berserkers, whose teeth were their most deadly weapons. These particular tribesmen were known for filing their teeth into sharp points and savagely attacking their opponents, who most often carried more civilized weapons like swords, spears, or clubs. Originally, "armed to the teeth" meant to be barely armed at all, but historically, its meaning of "being on the attack, prepared for any confrontation" carries over today.

Cahoots
Cahoots were, quite simply, little cabins, or kajuetes, as they were called in medieval Germany. Often known to be occupied by bandits and robbers, these little cabins became the planning centers for attacks. So in reality, it was the goings-on inside the cabins that became known for what the cabins themselves were called. Today we use cahoots to refer to any shady partnership or less-than upright scheme.