Straight from the Llama's Mouth

The Curious Origins and Clever Meanings of Idioms and Phrases (Seriously Though)

By: Eddie Watts

Narrated by: JD Hart

The English language is packed with strange expressions we use every day—but have you ever wondered where they come from?

From “buttering someone up” to “burning the candle at both ends,” idioms are woven into our conversations… yet we rarely pause to think about what they really mean or where they originated.

This fun and fascinating collection reveals the quirky stories behind the phrases we take for granted. Discover where (and when) these idioms first appeared, how they evolved, and what they really meant in their original context.

Grouped by theme, this book is perfect for curious minds and language lovers alike. You’ll uncover:

•The competition where the prize was literally cake

•The truth behind bulls in China shops

•Why “saved by the bell” has nothing to do with boxing

•How Shakespeare helped shape the way we speak

•And… what llamas have to do with any of this

Whether you’re looking to impress at parties, sharpen your trivia skills, or simply enjoy a clever and quirky listen, Straight from the Llama’s Mouth is your perfect companion.

©2025 Seriously Though Books (P)2025 Seriously Though Books

I’ll Never Hear Idioms the Same

This audiobook was such a fun surprise! I’ve used tons of these phrases without ever thinking about where they came from, and now I can’t stop sharing the backstories with friends. It’s super entertaining and easy to listen to in short bursts. I especially loved the bits about Shakespeare and all the random animal references—who knew llamas would be involved? Great if you’re into language or just want to sound smarter without trying too hard.

Kept me in stitches!

Loved this book. A few I knew, and a whole lot educated along the way. If your looking for a listening to educate you on fun true facts this is the book for you. Enjoyed this listen.

Remarkable Phrase Origins

It's always interesting to learn where common words and phrases come from. This book reveals the origins of almost every everyday phrase that you can probably think of. The answers are usually nothing close to what you'd think they would be, which is part of why the book is so captivating. You won't only learn about the phrase's origins, but you'll learn some pretty bizarre, largely unknown history you'd never have learned in school. You'll likely share some of this information with friends and family. If you're curious about language, history, or both, this book is for you. You'll learn a lot.

Clever, fun, and educational

This is a fun, clever dive into the weird and wonderful world of English idioms. Packed with surprising origins and quirky facts, it explains everyday expressions in a way that’s both entertaining and informative. Grouped by theme, it’s great for trivia lovers, language nerds, or anyone curious about how some of the common phrases really came to be. A light, engaging listen that makes language feel fresh and fun.

Never Thought Idioms Could Be This Fun

I’ve always used phrases like “bite the bullet” or “spill the beans” without knowing where they came from. This was like finally pulling back the curtain—and it was hilarious, weird, and fascinating all at once. Some of the origins are darker than expected, others just completely unexpected. The narration had great pacing and personality, which made it even more enjoyable. I started quoting lines to my partner mid-listen, and we ended up re-listening together. If you’re into language, humor, or random trivia, this is such an entertaining deep dive.