Innovation is a key factor in all human progress, and somewhere in history, there is always an inventor with excellent imagination responsible for every milestone achievement. The wheel changed our lives. So did the internet. But still, who were the people who created such genius inventions? What made them do it, and how did they face the obstacles they met to materialize their ideas?

This blog deep dives into the life cycles of those who brought as incredible inventions as ‘The telephone’ or ‘The aeroplane’ and adds some dimensions of hardship, success as well as controversies to those distinguished figures. Throughout this process, some entertaining facts are going to be uncovered to honour the innovative and inquisitive people who have impacted the course of history.

We at Holaquiz have created a list of famous inventors and their inventions that you have heard of!

The Visionaries Who Changed the Course of History

Each era has its vanguards who can visualise the impossible and turn the vision into a reality. These innovators moved worlds and created revolutions. It was the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg which triggered the Renaissance of imprinted knowledge and turned night into day with Edison’s light bulb; such inventions were not merely advancements in technology; they were social progress and change.

It is through inventors and their masterpieces that one further learns of the scope of impact and transformation one novel thought can possess. In this part, high achievements are highlighted that were made by certain people who are long gone but demonstrated that the invention of their sole idea could create viable changes.

Nikola Tesla

Though there were others like Thomas Edison, people did not notice Tesla as much, yet he was a genius. Tesla’s advancements in the field of electricity completely transformed the world. For instance, effective distribution of power was made possible with the build-up of Alternating Current (AC) systems.

The inventions made by Tesla including the Tesla coil and wireless energy transmission demonstrated his imagination of the future. Even though he was financially constrained and considered to be mad, he pursued his vision for a world where energy was transferred wirelessly.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is referred to as “Wizard of Menlo Park, ” and holds the status of being a vigorous patent holder of more than 1000 patents. Edison is most associated with the invention of the light bulb, a technology that was taken to market, but he was the creator of the phonograph, motion picture camera, and electric power generation systems.

He focused on hard work and developing the capacity to earn from his inventions commercialising them sometimes ignoring other aspects, which made him a target for criticism for his ‘’evil business energy’’.

The Wright Brothers

Many people may have dreamt of flying, but only the Wright Brothers made it possible. They made it possible through a comprehensive due diligence process consisting of tests, drafts, and uncontrolled zeal. 

Their approach to designing and constructing a powered aircraft was dictated by aerodynamics, an established discipline even back in their day, and their 1903 flight at Kitty Hawk wasn’t just an engineering achievement—it was a testament to their imaginative outlook towards conquering gravity itself. In the face of doubt and not much money, they worked out and implemented vital aerodynamic principles which are known in aviation even today.

Alexander Graham Bell

The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was not just another technological achievement; it was a fundamental innovation in the manner in which people would communicate over distances. As he worked on assisting individuals who cannot hear, it struck Bell the idea of sending voice signals using electrical energy across the hurdles of distance.

His first words on the telephone: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you”, have been the start of telecommunication. Apart from the telephone, Bell’s contributions also covered improvements in aviation and optical communications.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie overcame all obstacles being a woman in science as she became the first to ever win two different Nobel accolades: that is in Physics and Chemistry. It was her work on radioactivity which was jointly conducted with her husband Pierre, that would lead to the later discovery of radium and polonium elements.

Despite the harsh obstacles which went from prejudiced social norms to the dangers of her work, Curies’ efforts changed the entire sphere of medicine and also nuclear physics for the better.

James Watt

The steam engine also owes credit to James Watt, whose enhancements made it possible for the Industrial Revolution to achieve its success. Watt did not invent the steam engine, but his refinements to it rendered it far more efficient, greatly impacting industries like manufacturing, mining, and transport.

Other of his designs – a separate condenser and rotary action – made the engine more than just a device. His work proves the adage concerning the ability to maximize the usefulness of already existing ideas, purely by refining them.

Follow Holaquiz for more such blogs.

Idioms may be regarded as the intricate communication splices embedded in every language and enliven monotonous discourse. They enable the articulation of feelings and emotions in a broad range of expressions, promoting congruity and laughter. In every conversation, from the simplest to the most advanced, idioms are sure to cut across any linguistic divide.

There is a special place in our hearts for the brushes used in composing these idioms, for we know where they originated. It brings a perspective to the readers about the traditions, civilizations, and evolution of society which gave birth to these phrases. Using an idiom’s backstory in speech increases the comprehension of ideas and links people to the history.

We at Holaquiz have created a list of common idioms that you have definitely heard of! Go on check them.

What Are Idioms?

Idioms can be defined as phrases that have separate meanings which cannot be derived from the individual components of the phrases. The phrase: “it is raining cats and dogs” has nothing to do with animals falling from the sky, but describes a heavy downpour instead. Idioms are an example of such metaphorical or symbolic meanings.

Idioms enhance communication. They spice things up and add life to transactional language and speech. For instance, the presence of idioms in a conversation elicits the idea of a shared sociocultural or psychological experience that is likely to make such conversation more vivid.

Let’s Check Some of The Known Idioms

‘Bite the Bullet’ – Warfare and the Historical Context of Medics.

The phrase’s origins arise from warfare situations where soldiers underwent surgery without anaesthetic. Clenching a loaded gun in their mouths enabled them to keep their heads still and husband their strength. It means to endure hardship.

‘Steal Someone’s Thunder’ – The Reckless Secrets About Not-So Famous People

The origin of the idiom began in 1704. John Dennis, a playwright, is known to have created a thunder sound effect for one of his plays. He once said: “They stole my thunder.” Today, it refers to.

‘The Green-Eyed Monster’, -What Does It Mean?- by Shakespeare

William Shakespeare coined the phrase in Othello. It is a more than imaginative way of showing jealousy, where the’ green-eyed monster’ is more than mere envy for a person. Shakespeare has given life to a rather cliché phrase.

‘Harder Than A Herculean Task’,-Originating from Hercules

The Greek hero Hercules performed legendary labours which required much more than determination. Such tasks are now known as “Herculean” which is no surprise considering his great reputation.

‘Three Sheets to the Wind’ – Lighthouse Slogan

In nautical language, ‘sheet’ is a term for a rope that controls a sail. And if three of them are over the ship will probably sway like a staggering voyager. This is a saying that very comically describes a very drunk person.

‘Loose Cannon’ – A Dangers Of The Sea

The widespread notion is that any sailor sees a loose cannon on the deck and starts to think how much serious damage this can lead to, as to any unregulated or unpredictable person. It symbolises that there is always the risk of volatility, in a maritime endeavour or ordinary life.

‘Spill the Beans’ – An Age-Old Voting Structure

This expression traces back to ancient Greece where not casting a vote was placing a bean to not voice one’s opinion. If one accidentally eschewed this, a decision would be revealed early resulting in decisions being unveiled hence the contemporary meaning of the phrase: Still explaining about revealing things ф the Undisclosed.

‘Cry Wolf’ – A Finishing Phrase in Aesop’s Fables

Aesops Fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf depicts principles on false accusations or alarms. This phrase in question lowers the standard of trust due to its abuse.

‘The Elephant In The Room’ – The Issue We Avoid

This idiom brings to mind the bizarre scenario of people being able to walk into a room and not notice a large elephant making it very much impossible to see. It is deployed when there is an apparent problem that ought to have been addressed but this is not the case just because the situation is delicate.

‘Let The Cat Out Of The Bag’ – Fables Of Market Day

Merchants in medieval times would offer a cat in place of a piglet for buyers who were unsure about the item being offered. Being tricked this way would let the cat out of the bag meaning expose the lie. It has come to mean a betrayal of fidelity or confidence.

‘Cross the Rubicon’ – Final Act of Julius Caesar

When Julius Caesar passed over the Rubicon River, he opposed Roman law and took the irrevocable decision. The idiom implies, crossing the barrier, going over the limit. 

‘Burning the Midnight Oil’ – Soldier’s Watch

Before electricity was invented, late-night bar work meant using oil lamps. The idiom denotes the selvedges needed to accomplish the assignment.

‘Close But No Cigar’ – The Prizes Played For at Carnivals

Typically, tobacco was awarded as a prize in the nineteenth century’s carnivals. Since the game required precisions, those who missed the mark somewhat coining the phrase “close but no cigar”, depicted almost getting it right.

‘Strike While the Iron is Hot’ – What can be learned from Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths have to form a metallic workpiece when it’s red hot. This saying is said to mean the need to take steps or actions at the most suitable time, something learnt from blacksmith work.

Conclusion

Idioms go beyond the ordinary. They are part of history and every culture has its themes. There is always a story behind every idiom as they have travelled through time, industries and cultures. Whether it is the communication between sailors who had to brave dangerous waters or the competition among writers for recognition, these words show how language evolves. As words are oftentimes infused with a meaning of a certain time, they can reflect a culture’s way of life. 

Idioms and their etymology will help develop a better understanding of language. Everything comes from history – professions, events, stories – and they all affect the words that seem so simple to us now. Today’s language contains idioms such as legs it and over the moon that are much deeper than ‘going faster than usual’ or ‘being happy’.

It is our duty as custodians of a language to keep traditions alive. Next time you hear an idiom or say one yourself, pause for a second. Think about where it came from, what history shaped it, and why is it now part of our language. You ask these questions because in understanding the meaning behind the phrases you can keep the need to narrate the meaning behind them forever.

Read more such articles on Holaquiz.