This is an I-Heart podcast.

And we continue with our American stories.

Up next, we continue with our recurring series about the curious origins of everyday

sayings. Here to join us again is Andrew Thompson as he continues to share another slice

from his ultimate guide to understanding the stories, the mysteries of the English language.

Take it away, Andrew.

To tie the knot means to get married.

And that expression began with early wedding ceremonies.

During the times of the Roman Empire,

the bride wore a girdle that was tied with knots

that would be untied by the groom.

Then the custom grew to actually tying the couple's hands together as part of the ceremony.

No one was hand fasting.

The Celtics had a similar ritual whereby the hands of the bride and groom were tied together

for a duration of one year plus one day in order for the marriage to be legal.

The couple promised to stay together for this length of time as part of their marriage

contract, and a couple could not be married without tying the knot. To be blackballed means to be

voted against, or someone who is not acceptable or is an outcast, and that expression derives

from the London's gentlemen clubs of the 18th century. New applications for

membership of those clubs was assessed by a ruling committee and then put to members for a secret

vote. Every existing member of the club was able to vote and the votes were cast by placing

either a white or a black ball into a container. White balls meant acceptance and black balls meant

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