den of lions

The now commonly-used English idiom “den of lions” (for a dangerous situation) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

man cannot live by bread alone

The now commonly-used English idiom “man cannot live by bread alone” (meaning people need more than material things to truly live) was first coined in 1582 in the Douay Rheims Version (in the spelling Man shall not liue by bread alone). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

be of good cheer

The now commonly-used English idiom “be of good cheer” (be happy) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

In Low German it is translated as Kopp hoch, lit. “hold your head up high” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1933, republ. 2006).

See also be cheered.

fall by the wayside

The now commonly-used English idiom “fall by the wayside” (meaning failing or falling behind at something) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 276)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

eat; drink and be merry

The now commonly-used English idiom “eat, drink, and be merry” (meaning enjoy yourselves and also not to give any thought to the future, because life is short) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 277)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

kill the fatted calf

The now commonly-used English idiom “kill the fatted calf” (meaning having a celebration for someone who’s been away a long time) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 277)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

See also fattened calf and fatted cattle.

they know not what they do

The now commonly-used English idiom “they know not what they do” (meaning not to be be angry at others for doing something bad if they are ignorant) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 277)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

sheep's clothing

The now commonly-used English idiom “sheep’s clothing” (meaning a person pretending to be harmless) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 280)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.