PLANNING AN AWESOME RETIRED LIFE

 

Retirement is from work, not from life. It is simply about taking the good bits out of the first innings, taking fresh guard and starting the second innings. With a little bit of planning you will play this innings even better, because you already know your team, your opposition and are fully familiar with the pitch you are playing in. As the last of my batch-mate retired from active medical teaching and administrative duties recently after 50 years of glorious service, and as only a few of us remain in active practice, still enjoying our work, I thought it was an opportune moment to put my thoughts about post retirement life in words.

 

The concept of retirement is still very blurred in my mind because I, unlike many of my friends, am not ready to put a cut off date – 70 years, that’s all! I think so long as the mind is inquisitive, the body is fit and the attitude is ‘how can I contribute’ in a medical profession, one can change the tenor and tempo of work, because there is still gas in the tank most certainly. A physician, if he/she continues to remain abreast of recent advances, or a surgeon, if he/she has good control on cognitive faculties and is still learning newer skills is priceless both as doctors and as mentors and have a vital role to play in their golden years.

 

Far too many people get flustered and confused after retirement and suffer a personality crash. Irrespective of what job you were involved while in service and how much influence you wielded, retirement often proves to be a great equalizer. So how should you be tackling this juncture of life and how to plan the rest of your life is what I intend to discuss. I have a huge list of instructions for people in their golden years, who are enjoying their retirement. These I have gathered from my patients and their experiences.

Avoid travelling alone. Travel with your spouse when possible. Avoid going out during peak traffic hours. Don’t over-exert yourself with too much walking or exercise. Avoid long daytime naps for better sleep at night. Limit yur screen time—TV, mobile, and Kindle. Avoid overmedication and self medication. Visit your doctor regularly. Always carry an ID and emergency contact numbers. Don’t keep complaining about health issues. But, I will discuss a few points more specifically:

 

1. Use the money you have saved

Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard earned capital. Warning: This is also a bad time for an investment, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries and this is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.  

 

2. The financial situation of your children and grandchildren is not your concern

Don't feel bad for spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years and you've taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter, and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.

 

3. Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort

Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well, and get your sleep. It's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor and get tested even when you're feeling well. Stay informed, quit smoking, bring moderation to your alcohol intake and get the flu vaccines in time..  

 

4. Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other

The key goal is to enjoy your money with your spouse. One day, one of you will miss the other, when money will not provide any comfort. So, enjoy it together.  

 

5. Don't stress over the little things.

You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don't let the past drag you down and don't let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten.

 

6. Regardless of age, always keep love alive

Love your spouse, love life, love your family, love your neighbor, and remember: "A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection.

 

7. Be proud, both inside and out.

Don't stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.  

 

8. Don't lose sight of fashion trends for your age

Keep your sense of style. There's nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters. You've developed your own sense of what looks good on you - keep it and be proud of it. It's part of who you are.  

 

9. Always stay informed and connected

Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to sign up to a couple of social networks. You'll be surprised which old friends you may meet. Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know, is important at any age.  

 

10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions

They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them of yesterday's wisdom that still applies today.

 

11. Never use the phrase: "In my time"

Your time is now. As long as you're alive, you are a part of this time. Have fun and enjoy life. 

 

12. Enjoy and ebbrace your golden years

Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it'll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around. Choose your company very wisely.  

 

13. Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren

Yes, this is the idea of a happy Indian family and being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. If you've lost your spouse (my deepest condolences), then you may feel insecure all alone. Then you can opt for senior living if you really need the help or do not want to live alone. If your children are staying with you, they are most welcomed, it is their home. But if you choose to go and stay with them, you are a guest and that may cramp your style of living. 

 

14. Don't abandon your hobbies.

If you don't have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog, grow a garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf. You can paint, volunteer at an NGO or just collect certain items. Find something you like and spend some real time having fun with it. I see a senior morning walker picking trash from the street and putting it in a black rubbish bag, emptying it in roadside bins from time to time. It is his way of contributing to the society. Find your own way to do so.  

 

15. Even if you don't feel like it, try to accept invitations.

Anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, weddings, conferences, try to honour every invitation. Get out of the house, meet people you haven't seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). But don't get upset when you're not invited. Some events are limited by resources, and not everyone can be hosted. The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a field. Get out there.

 

16. Be a conversationalist.

Talk less and listen more. Some people go on and on about the past, not caring if their listeners are really interested. That's a great way of reducing their desire to speak with you. Listen first and answer questions, but don't go off into long stories unless asked to. Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to. Try to accept situations as they are. Everyone is going through the same things, and people have a low tolerance for hearing complaints. Always find some good things to say as well.  

 

17. Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older.

Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we're all going through. Try to minimize them in your mind. They are not who you are, they are something that life has added to you. If they become your entire focus, you lose sight of the person you used to be. Never discuss them.

 

18. If you've been offended by someone, forgive them.

If you've offended someone, apologize. Don't drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn't matter who was right. Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die. Don't take that poison. Forgive, forget and move on with your life.  

 

19. If you have a strong belief, savor it.

The key is not to waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration. Live your faith and set an example. Live true to your beliefs and let that memory sway them. Religion, faith and politics are topics that can be quite divisive and sources of arguments and heart burn. Avoid them.

  

20. Laugh a lot

Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You've managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age, never get to experience a full life. But you did. So what's not to laugh about? Find the humor in your situation.

21. Maintain your circle of friends

Be with your friends and now that you have the time, widen this circle because who knows, you may discover some outstanding people whom you might have missed in your busy schedule! Friends are your first line of defense in any crisis situation and will be there by your side much before your children staying in other cities and countries. Try to befriend people younger to you so that you get the smell of change and keep well informed. Science has conclusively proven that longevity gets depleted in solitude and augmented when you have friends all around and you are happy.  

 

22. Don’t bother about what others say or think      

Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be thinking. They'll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you've achieved. Let them talk and don't worry. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the life you've lived so far. There's still much to be written, so get busy writing and don't waste time thinking about what others might think. Now is the time to be at rest, at peace and as happy as you can be!  

 

The famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quite rightly said ‘Life is too short to drink bad wine”!

TRAVEL ADVISORY AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

A travel advisory is an official warning issued by government agencies, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India or the U.S. Department of State, informing their country’s travelers about safety risks and recommended precautions for specific destinations.

It aims to inform travelers about safety and security conditions in foreign destinations. For more localized travel advisories, one can refer to resources like the DHS Travel Advisory Map, which provides current travel status for specific counties. 

 

Purpose of Travel Advisories

Travel advisories are designed to help travelers make informed decisions about their travel plans. They provide essential information regarding potential risks, including:

• Crime and Terrorism: Advisories may highlight areas with high crime rates or threats of   terrorism.
• Natural Disasters: Information about regions prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, is included.
• Health Risks: Advisories may warn about disease outbreaks or health- related issues in certain areas.
• Civil Unrest: Travelers are informed about political instability or protests that could affect their  safety.

 

Levels of Travel Advisories

The travel advisories are categorized into four levels, depending upon the degree of risk associated with traveling to a particular country or region:

Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest level of risk, advising travelers to   remain aware of their surroundings

Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Travelers should be more vigilant due to heightened risks.

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: There are significant risks, and travelers are advised to think very carefully about their plans.

Level 4 –  Do Not Travel: This indicates a high risk of life to the traveler  and they are strongly discouraged from going to the area

 

In the past few years, Government of India has issued travel advisories for Indians with respect to Venezuela, Iran, Nepal, Syria, Libya, Bangladesh, Israel, Cambordia (for employment}, Myanmar, Niger, Iraq, Yemen, Canada, and Pakistan.

Not all parts of a country are freely accessible for foreigners. Indians and Pakistanis are issued city specific visas, valid for only those mentioned cities and are not allowed to enter the cantonment areas of each other’s countries. Overseas guests in India are advised by their own government to avoid certain areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Indo-Pakistan land border, Manipur, Maoist hinterland in Central India and Arunachal Pradesh. At times Nagaland, and Tripura too are on their prohibition list.

Countries of the world often issue ‘country summary’ for various countries which their citizens would like to visit. Such advisories are often not very kind to these countries, but these countries do not like to risk the life of their citizens. While there are advisories for all countries, but the Level designated matters, because that decides the level of confidence travellers have about their safety. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Switzwrland, France, Italy enjoy very high tourist confidence and so are filled with tourists throughout the year. India unfortunately is designated Level 2 by the U.S State Department. No wonder despie having such rich history and heritage, such varied geography and climate and such vibrant culture and customs, we fail to attract tourists less than Singapore.

The travel advisory country summary for India, issued by the U.S. government is particularly harsh. It says:

• Violent crime and terrorism occur in India.
• Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India.
• Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target

o   tourist locations

o   transportation hubs

o   markets/shopping malls

o   government facilities

·   The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

·         If you decide to travel to India:

o   Do not bring a satellite phone or GPS device. Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years.

o   Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman. Read travel tips at Women Travelers .

o   Review your personal security plans and stay alert to your surroundings.

o   Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP ) to get alerts and make it easier for us to find you in an emergency.

o   Review the India Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

o   Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

o   Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.

The Australian Scenario

Most Australian travellers are aware of their government’s Smart Traveller advice that sorts nations into the same four categories. Australia, in turn, cops a whole variety of advisory cautions. A positive common thread is that, as France puts it, “Australia is not a country with a significant security risk.” Still, every government says that terrorism is a real concern and that their citizens should be alert to petty crime, vehicle break-ins and drink spiking, all described as common. The US warns its citizens about Australia’s “narrow” roads that have just two lanes. Some additions are unexpected, such as Canada’s warning that “tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards” or the United Kingdom’s that “some drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK”. France advises against hitchhiking and tells visitors not to think of distances in European terms. Everyone warns, too, about the dangers of swimming, outback travel, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, and our fierce and poisonous wildlife. “The continent and its waters host animals that merit awe and respect in equal doses,” says the United States. The wildlife is “fascinating yet dangerous”, adds New Zealand. Bushfires, floods and extreme weather get extensive coverage. “Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult,” adds the UK. Ireland and France are wary of sunburn.

You can detect national preoccupations and strengths. The UK, ironically, has a long section about our horrendous weather. The US is dismayed at highways only two lanes wide and “roads and streets … frequently narrower and less graded than US highways”. France complains about railways, which it describes as “little developed … and neither fast nor good value”.

Some governments give polite advice on social norms. China suggests visitors split restaurant bills, maintain a proper distance while queueing, bring beer to barbecues and avoid arguing. “Regardless of wealth or status, locals treat everyone equally and typically address people by their names, using ‘mate’ rather than honorifics,” China says. “They are generally open and direct, and enjoy a humorous and self-deprecating tone. ‘No worries’ is a common expression.”

Japan too, is struck by our “egalitarianism, known as mateship ... It is important to note that the Australian people have a strong sense of classlessness and social equality”. Japan is, however, agitated about theft, with a lengthy section of its travel advisory telling travellers to lock and chain their hotel doors and never leave bags unattended on beaches, golf courses and buses. “Avoid parking on the street whenever possible, even in places with parking meters” and use secure parking instead. “Australia is often thought of as a relatively safe country but, compared to Japan, there is a lot of general crime,” it sighs.

China in contrast devotes its longest travel advisory section to financial and internet scams including “romantic dating scams” that lure the lonely into handing over personal information or payment. The Chinese are also concerned about domestic violence, murder, robbery, sexual assault, illegal weapons, vehicle theft and “bar fights”.

The US concurs with China on most points, including the potential for “bar brawls” and the prevalence of “internet romance and financial scams”.

Ireland on the other hand, although it finds the risk of terrorism “probable”, calls crime levels “relatively low” except in certain (undefined) “party areas” of Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Ireland finds its own citizens part of the problem: “A significant number of Irish nationals … come before the Australian courts each year,” it laments. It cites road accidents as the leading cause of death and injury for Irish visitors in Australia. 

Germany warns of potential assaults in Alice Springs, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney’s Kings Cross but is otherwise pleasant, issuing only genteel warnings about snakes, credit-card fraud, “unusual emails” and theft from backpacker accommodation. 

Many countries have little concern. India offers no advice, saving its ire for places such as Iraq, Myanmar and Haiti, plus of late, Canada, because of Sikh separatists demanding Khalistan. 

And while you’d think super-safe Singapore might have Japanese anxiety levels about crime, its travel advice is short and laid back, with tut-tutting saved mainly for vehicle break-ins in Western Australia.

 

The Cricket playing countries have a lot of fan travel in between them despite these travel advisories, but reputation matters and Pakistan suffers maximally because of ongoing home grown terrorism and unstable democracy. South Africa too suffers because of crime, mugging, kidnapping and terrorism. Visitors are advised not to go out for a strol or use public transport for the fear of getting robbed.

Israeli and U.S. citizens are advised to travel with extreme caution in Muslim countries. Canada warns its LGBTQ travellers to be cautious while visiting certain cities in the U.S. The war zones in the Gulf and Europe are a tinder box, avoided by all travellers.

For tourism to prosper the safety of the tourists is paramount, and travel advisories are all about keeping the tourists safe. A country has to be friendly, safe, and welcoming for its tourism industry to boom. Countries inflicted by social unrest and terrorism are losing out big time.

SOME MORE ENGLISH IDIOMS AND THEIR STORIES OF ORIGINS

Idioms and Phrases are an integral part of the English language and are commonly used to make sentences fascinating. Idioms are often used in stories, poems and even in spoken words. The origins of these idioms are not always known, but they are said to originate from stories and creative writing and are modified over time. Phrases are unlike idioms, they are actually direct and to the point. They do not have figurative meanings; the expression means what the words indicate.

I have in 5 previous blogs discussed about similar English idioms and how they originated. You can re-visit them by clicking on these hyperlinks:

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-story-behind-english-idioms.html

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-origin-of-common-english-idioms.html

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-origin-of-common-english-idioms-2.html

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-history-behind-some-english-idioms.html

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2024/06/stories-behind-few-english-idioms.html

These are a fresh set of idioms.

"A baker's dozen" 

What does it mean? Thirteen items.

Back in 13th-century Britain, there was a law called the As size of Bread and Ale. It stated that if bakers were caught selling low-quality bread or undersized portions, they could have their hands chopped off. That's why a group or set of 13 is referred to as a baker's dozen - it was a sure-fire way of them keeping their hands! 

"Bite the bullet"

What does it mean? Accepting something difficult or unpleasant.

Where does it come from? Before, during the war, there was no time to administer anesthesia before emergency surgery. Instead, the surgeon made patients bite down on a bullet in an attempt to distract them from the pain. 

"Blood is thicker than Water"

What does it mean? Family comes over and above everything else.

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, blood rituals were performed between men to symbolize a bond that was far greater than those of family. It was believed that blood brother warriors who symbolically shared the blood they shed in battle together were said to have a stronger bond than biological brothers.   

"Break the Ice"

What does it mean? To initiate a friendship or to start a project.

Prior to trains or cars, port cities that thrived on trade suffered during the winter because frozen rivers prevent commercial ships from entering the city. To solve this issues, small ships known as 'icebreakers' would then rescue the icebound ships by breaking the ice and creating a path for them to follow. Today it has quite a different meaning - before any type of business arrangement today, it is now customary to break the ice before beginning a project. 

"Cat Got Your Tongue?"

What does it mean? This saying is said when a person is at a loss for words. 

This common saying has two possible sources. The first refers to the cat-o'-nine tails - a whip used by the English Navy for flogging. The whip had caused so much pain, the victims were left speechless. The second refers to the practice of cutting out the tongues of liars and feeding them to cats. 

"Caught Red-Handed"

What does it mean? Caught doing something wrong.

This saying originated because of law. Some time ago, if someone butchered an animal that didn't belong to him, and was caught with the animal's blood on his hands, he had to be convicted. But being caught with freshly cut meat did not make the person guilty.

"Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater"

What does it mean? Hang on to valuable things when getting rid of unnecessary things. 

In the 1500s, most people would bathe once a year and when they did bathe the entire family would use the same tubful of water. The man of the house would bathe first, then the females and finally, the babies. By the time the babies came to wash, the water would be thick and cloudy. Consequently, the infants' mothers had to take care not to throw them out with the bathwater when they emptied the tub. 

"Eat Humble Pie"

What does it mean? To make an apology and suffer humiliation with it.

During the Middle Ages, the lord of a manor would hold a feast after hunting. Yet, while he would feast on the finest cut of meat at dinner, those of a lower standing were served a pie filled with entrails and innards, which were then known as 'umbles'. So, receiving an 'umble pie' was considered humiliating because it signified the guest's lower status. 

"the Cold Shoulder"

What does it mean? This is considered to be a rude way of telling someone that he isn't welcome. 

 Today, giving the cold shoulder is considered rude. But it was actually regarded as a polite gesture during medieval England. At the end of a feast, the host would let his guests know it was time to leave by giving them a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of beef, mutton or pork. 

"Go Cold Turkey"

What does it mean? To quit something all of a sudden.

It was believed that during withdrawal, the skin of drug addicts would become translucent, hard to touch and covered with bumps and would resemble the skin of a plucked turkey. 

"Go the Whole 9 Yards"

What does it mean? To try your best.

During the Second World War, fighter pilots received a 9-yard chain of ammunition. The saying came about when a pilot used all of his ammunition on one target, he gave it 'the whole 9 yards.'

"Highway robbery" 

What does it mean? Charging too much.

These days, most people would refer to being charged Rs. 250 for a cup of coffee as a highway robbery. With that being said, its original definition meant literally robbing travelers on or near a highway. It's thought that the phrase was first used way back in 1611. 

"Jaywalker"

What does it mean? Someone who crosses the street in a reckless or illegal manner. 

 The term comes from jay birds who traveled outside of the forest into urban areas became confused and unaware of the potential dangers in the city - such as traffic. Fascinated by their erratic behavior people began using the term 'jaywalker' to describe someone who crossed the street irresponsibly. 

"Kick the Bucket"

What does it mean? Simply put, it means to die!

When a cow was killed at a slaughterhouse a bucket was placed under it while it was positioned on a pulley. There were times when the animal's legs would kick during the adjustment of the rope and it would kick the bucket before being killed. 

"Let Your Hair Down"

What does it mean? To relax or to be at ease.

Parisian nobles risked being condemned by their peers if they appeared in public without an elaborate hairdo. As some of the more intricate styles required hours of work, it would always be a relaxing moment to come home at the end of a long day and let their hair down. 

"Letting the cat out of the bag" 

What does that mean? To reveal a secret, often unintentionally.

Nowadays, letting the cat out of the bag means spilling someone's secret, however, the phrase used to mean something completely different back in Medieval times. Back then, farmers would purchase piglets from markets, which would usually be handed over in bags. The thing is that unscrupulous dealers would swap out the pigs they were supposed to be selling for much less expensive cats. This theory is quite hotly disputed. 

"Meeting a deadline" 

What does this mean? Completing a task in time or before time

Meeting a deadline had a very different meaning during the American Civil War than it does today. A deadline was a line inside the area where Federal prisoners were kept. If any of them attempted to cross the line, they would be shot and killed.  

"More Than You Can Shake a Stick At"

What does it mean? To have more of something than you actually need. 

Farmers controlled their sheep by shaking their staffs to show animals where they had to go. But when farmers had more sheep than they could control, it was said they had 'more than you can shake a stick at.'

"No Spring Chicken"

What does it mean? Someone who is no longer in their prime.

In New England, chicken farmers generally sold their chickens during the spring because chickens born at that time of year yielded better earnings than the chickens that survived the winter. Sometimes, farmers would try to sell old birds for the price of a new spring chicken. As buyers who were aware of this complained that the fowl was 'no spring chicken' the term then came to represent anyone past their prime. 

"Paint the town red" 

What does it mean? It is often associated with getting glammed up before heading out for a night of drinking and dancing. 

But that's not what it meant back in 1837. As the story goes, the Marquis of Waterford went out for a night of drinking with some friends. They all proceeded to become quite severely intoxicated, and set about destroying property in the small English town. Things got really crazy when they stumbled upon some red paint, and literally began painting the town red. Doors, a tollgate, and a swan statue were among the victims... 

"Paying through the nose" 

What does it mean? It means paying far too much than the actual worth.

Paying through the nose for something is never a pleasant experience, but at least your face remains intact throughout. The Vikings took paying through the nose quite literally - they used to slit someone's nose from tip to eyebrow if they refused to pay tax. 

"Pleased as Punch"

What does it mean? To be very happy.

During the 17th century, a puppet show for children called Punch and Judy featured a puppet named Punch who killed people. Punch felt pleased with himself after the act of killing as it brought him so much pleasure.

"Pulling your leg" 

What does it mean? A light hearted banter. Deceive or joke in a harmless way.

You'd probably think that pulling someone's leg is just a bit of light-hearted fun, but it meant something much more sinister back in 18th and 19th-century London. Thieves would drag their victims to the ground by their legs so that they were easier to steal from. 

"Read me the riot act" 

What does it mean? To give someone a severe reprimand or warning.

If you were ever read the riot act as a child or teenager, it might have meant being confined to your room for a few weeks without being able to watch television. In 18th-century England, however, it meant that you could face time behind bars. The Riot Act of 1715 stated that groups of 12 or more people gathered on the streets could be deemed a threat to public safety, and therefore ordered to be broken up. Refusal to disperse could also have led to arrests and forcible removals. 

"Riding shotgun"

What does it mean? Sitting in the front seat, just next to the driver

Although it might be the ideal place to ride during a road trip, riding shotgun in the Old West was a much more serious matter. Stagecoach passengers literally rode with a shotgun in their hands in order to scare off robbers to ward off would-be attackers. 

Idioms can convey complex ideas succinctly and memorably. For example, “break the ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting. They often reflect cultural values and traditions, providing insight into a society's way of thinking. For example, “the early bird catches the worm” emphasizes the value of being protective.They can often paint vivid pictures in the listener's mind. “Bite the Bullet” creates a visual of someone enduring a painful experience bravely. Phrases too can effectively convey feelings and attitudes. “Over the moon” expresses extreme happiness.