get out of bed on the wrong side

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. get out of bed on the wrong side meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "get out of bed on the wrong side"

Meaning

The phrase “get out of bed on the wrong side” is an idiom used to describe a person who is in a bad mood. It implies that the person has woken up in a negative mood and is likely to be grumpy for the rest of the day. The phrase can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context, such as a person having a bad day, or a person being in a sour mood for no reason.

Etymology

The phrase “get out of bed on the wrong side” has its roots in the concept of superstition and good luck. Historically, superstition dictated that leaving the left side of the bed before sunrise was supposed to bring bad luck. By extension, getting out of the right side of the bed was seen as a symbol of good luck and the opposite was true for the left side. The phrase began to be used in the 1700s and has since become a common idiom to describe someone's bad mood.

Usage

The phrase “get out of bed on the wrong side” is typically used to describe someone’s bad mood or bad luck. It is used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate that someone is in a poor mood, likely due to bad luck or misfortune. It is a humorous way to describe the sour mood of someone and it is usually used in a way to lighten up the situation and make a joke out of it.

Example Sentences

• I think John must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side this morning, he's been grumpy all day.
• Looks like I got out of bed on the wrong side today, nothing seems to be going my way.
• He must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side considering how bad his mood was.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.