May 30, 2013 · The phrase 'to know one's onion(s)' first appeared in print at least as early as 1891. Given its historical linguistic context, the 'source' of the phrase may be construed as the independent adoption of a generalized idiomatic response to the equally idiomatic and earlier-evidenced declaration that someone 'does not know the difference between an onion and …

Nov 26, 2019 · But using 'the price of onion' isn't wrong. It just makes it sound like they're referring to the general concept of the crop or substance. Think of it as a noun modifier 'the onion price' (as the Saxon genitive) and converting that to the Latin one, 'the price of onion'.

Sep 27, 2013 · We often use onion or peeling an onion as a metaphor for something that has many layers. For example, there is a system for browsing the web anonymously called Tor. Tor is an acronym for The Onion Router, which refers to the fact that all communications are wrapped in many layers of security.

Mar 14, 2014 · Chilies and pepper do bite your tongue, but Onion, Garlic or Mustard kicks your nose and gives a burning sensation to your eyes. Onion mostly is a sugary for tongue and caramelize the food you add in. A taste maker of different kind.

Jan 1, 2015 · If I have chopped up an onion, and I want to convey to someone that I can still smell the residue of onion on my fingers, I would say: "My fingers still have the fragrance (or "odor" -- depending on whether or not you find the scent of onions appealing or off-putting) of onions!!" In this sentence, I would use "of".

I don't know enough to attempt a proper answer, but my sneaking suspicion is "yes, there are a lot of rules, with a lot of exceptions, which in turn create further rules and exceptions, to the point that it would be less complex to simply look up and memorize the pronunciation of each word; individually, in a dictionary as you encounter them or find a need for them".

Aug 12, 2015 · The a/an-rule is based on pronunciation, not on spelling.Though the word union is spelt beginning with a vowel, the u is pronounced "you":

Aug 8, 2011 · From The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, by Robert Hendrickson:. The original version of this expression, 'on the water wagon' or 'water cart,' which isn't heard anymore, best explains the phrase.

Oct 28, 2014 · It's concise and reasonably well understood. It is not, however, strictly "formal", and pedants will likely object if the construction is used in some hoity-toity context. Saying "add a potato and or an onion" is confusing and leaves the reader wondering if there is a typo. –

May 3, 2011 · Etymonline suggests 1964 as the first recording and includes its meaning.. To have egg on (one's) face "be made to look foolish" is first recorded 1964.