How many of you use these sayings without realising where they came from?
“Hold Your Horses”: This means ‘to be patient’ today, but before cars were invented, people would travel on horses to watch the circus parade. Occasionally the appearance of the elephants would startle the horses so a person would walk ahead of the elephants saying, "Hold your horses, here come the elephants."
“Get The Show On The Road”: In society or the circus, the meaning is that it is time to begin.
“Grandstanding”: This means that someone is being boastful. In the circus it means that someone is trying to get the audiences attention.
“Jumbo”: “Huge”. In 1882, Jumbo was the name of the largest elephant ever seen in the Barnum and London Circus.
“Rain Or Shine”: In society or the circus, the meaning is that the event will be held even if it rains.
“Tosses His Hat Into The Ring”: Today this means to run for an elected office or apply for a prominent position. This expression started after President Woodrow Wilson tossed his hat into a circus ring.
“White Elephant”: Today this refers to an expensive, impractical object. In 1884, a white elephant used in many circus advertisements.