Article: For a long time now, I've been fascinated by common phrases and their origins- and just why we say what we say. I decided to consult the experts, sort through all the research and compile   the answers. Here are a few of the standouts. Q: Why do we"tie the knot  "when we get married? A: Knots have been a common metaphor   in marriage ceremonies all over the world and through time. The expression means"to unite in manage".  In the Hindu marriage ceremony, the groom ties a ribbon around the bride's neck. In ancient Rome, the bride wore a belt that was tied in a knot. The groom would then unfasten it on their first night together as husband and wife. Q: Why do we say"Many happy returns"? A: The phrase is short for"Many happy returns of the day", which is to say,"May this day return many times"or"May you have many more birthdays. " Q: How about"It's not over till the fat lady sings"? Where does that come from? A: This expression is usually phrased as"The opera isn't over till the fat lady sings. "It got its start as a popular saying when it was used by a sportswriter Dan Cook in 1976 to indicate that a sporting contest wouldn't end until time was called. Q: What's the story of"under the weather,"especially when the weather's just fine? A: There's probably a nautical   explanation. In days gone by, when people felt seasick, they were told to go below-decks and find a spot in the middle of the ship where the motion would be less noticeable. In that way, they literally took themselves"under the weather." 
 Answer: sport
The phrase"It's not over till the fat lady sings"was first used in   _  .