“Keep your powder dry” began as literal military advice. Today it means staying prepared, especially for risk, trouble, or sudden action.

“Doubting Thomas” comes from the apostle Thomas in the Bible, who wanted proof before believing Jesus had risen from the dead.

“Fly off the handle” began as a literal image of an axe head coming loose. It later became a vivid way to describe sudden anger.

“Cry wolf” comes from Aesop’s fable and now means giving false alarms so often that people stop believing the real warning.

This phrase began with old gun mechanisms. Today it means acting too soon, before you are ready or have all the facts.