Spitting image

Meaning an exact likeness, this phrase is likely a corruption of "spit and image." In the 17th century, "spit" was used to mean an exact replica — as if someone had been spat out of another person's mouth. The "image" part reinforced the visual resemblance, and over time "spit and image" was compressed into "spitting image."

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Run amok Elvis has left the building White elephant Fly off the handle Beat around the bush Hair of the dog

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