DIVIDE THE SPOILS, DO AN ABOUT-FACE, DO OR DIE: American English Idioms #55

DIVIDE THE SPOILS

The phrase divide the spoils is an idiom that has its roots in France. The phrase came into usage during the 1300s, when Edward III of England was trying to assert his dominance over France. He pressured Philippe VI of France to turn over control of French territories to him by using military force. This meant that the spoils, or gains, would be divided between them.

Divide the spoils was an old English term meaning to divide the loot or profits of a robbery. This idiom is typically used when a group splits up their money or prize from a bet or contest.

According to the idiom, divide the spoils, when a group of people collaborate on an endeavor and share in the gains and losses, the profits and losses are then divided fairly among all members of that group. This technique can be applied in many situations. For example, when planning to go out for dinner with a group of friends, it is important for each person to agree on what type of food they would like so that everyone can have an equal say in how much they spend.

Most people are used to the phrase, divide the spoils. What this means is that when one wins a contest, competition, or bet, they are expected to share what they have won with those who helped them win. This idiom is common in any social group where collaboration is important. The phrase divides the spoils has evolved over time and now it can be found in many places around the world.

DO AN ABOUT-FACE

A do an about-face is literally for someone to literally turn around 180 degrees in the opposite direction, but it can also mean that one has had a sudden change of opinion or set of circumstances.

Perhaps what was once thought to be an amazing opportunity has now become unappealing due to not being able to commit enough time and energy. The decision maker might feel the need to turn their back on their initial thoughts and feelings so they can fully focus on achieving something else.

The do an about-face idiom is a military term that means to change direction or strategy. It may be used in reference to military tactics, as well as to other contexts such as politics. This phrase is typically used when the person who was at the forefront of an issue has changed his/her mind and now shares the opposition’s stance.

A do an about-face is a military term that means to face in the opposite direction. The meaning of this idiom is to change one’s opinion about something or someone, which is done by changing directions. Perhaps one would say, “I think I might have been wrong about my outlook on life—I should do an about-face.

The term ‘do an about-face’ is used in military contexts, which means to turn around 180°. The idiom is more colloquially used to mean reversing direction or switching sides. The idiom can be traced back to the French “faire volte-face” which means “to make a face.

DO OR DIE

The phrase “do or die” can be used in many contexts, but when used in relation to sports or other competition, it typically refers to the point when a player needs to make a major decision, often with little time left on the clock. Continuing to play is risky because there may not be enough time for the player to succeed and because an opponent could easily score in that time.

In the past, an idiom “do or die” was used when a person was fighting in a battle. It literally meant fighting with a strong determination to succeed or die in the process. Today, it’s still used in contexts where there is a high risk of failure and someone is fighting with all their might to succeed.

The do or die idiom is typically used to describe a situation where someone has to receive all of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to successfully complete an activity. This idiom is often used in sports, such as basketball, soccer, and football.

The do or die idiom refers to the idea of risking one’s life for something of great importance. The phrase can be used in references to sports games, battle, business ventures, and more.