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April 27, 2026 69 mins

What do phrases like “spill the beans,” “three sheets to the wind,” and “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” actually mean, and where did they come from?

This week on Between the States, Dan, Noel, and Jared dive deep into the strange, hilarious, and sometimes confusing world of idioms. From their surprising origins in nautical terms, horse culture, and everyday life, to the rapid evolution of modern slang like “touch grass,” “no cap,” and “main character energy,” the guys break down how language evolves across generations.

Along the way, expect:

  •  The real meanings behind common idioms you probably use wrong 
  •  Wild origin stories (including sailing, military, and food-related phrases) 
  •  A breakdown of how Gen Z slang compares to classic idioms 
  •  Personal stories, workplace chaos, and travel mishaps 
  •  A chaotic attempt to invent brand-new idioms live on the show 

Is modern slang just the next evolution of idioms? Or are we losing something as language moves online?

If you’ve ever wondered why we say the things we say, or just want a funny, unfiltered conversation about language, culture, and everyday nonsense, this episode delivers.

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