“Cat’s paw” means a person used by someone else for a risky or dishonest purpose. The image comes from a fable about chestnuts in a fire.
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Where “an axe to grind” comes from and what it means
This expression began with a literal axe in an old story. Now it usually means someone has a personal motive or private agenda.
Hung vs. hanged: what is the difference?
Use hung for objects and ordinary positions. Use hanged only for execution in legal or historical contexts.
Why we say “eat humble pie”
“Eat humble pie” began with “umble pie,” a dish made from animal offal. Over time, the phrase came to mean admitting you were wrong.
Where “throw your hat in the ring” comes from
This expression began in boxing, where a hat tossed into the ring signaled a challenge. Today it means entering a contest or race.