Origin of Sayings: 'Boot on the Other Foot'

There are many phrases in the world today. One is well known and it is called the shoe is on the other foot. This is an old cliché which has originated in the early 1800's. This phrase was first called the boot is on the other leg. This is a very popular saying that explains itself as a karma type of situation. Say for example that you have done something terribly evil to someone and all of the sudden the evil things that you have done seem to come and haunt you later on in your life. Another example is if you were a child and you picked on someone at school, then later on in your life, you will be picked on and made fun of because of the little evil things that you have done. Many people say that is called "You reap what you sow." This is known as the defender experiences the offender's point of view.

Many people call it as the role of the underdog being reversed or filled by the oppressor or powerful force in the area. This cliché describes the situation or the tables being turned the other way. Usually when this occurs it comes up unexpectantly without the oppressor knowing that this situation has occurred in their life. They just noticed that things are not the same for them and their life has changed without them even knowing.

For this phrase originating in the 18th century is not documented. This is a hear say thing and some even say that it originated in the 19th century. There are many sayings and clichés that are said throughout the world that closely relates to this saying or wide calf boots. Even though it sounds original, there are many that are similar or that are just like it. Throughout America you will usually hear "He or she has got a taste of their own medicine."

Wearing the boot on the other foot is a saying that is tangible compared to wide calf boots. From my perspective it points towards the worst situation were the accuser or oppressor is experiencing the worst or the side of the underdog. This is something that you will not want to experience as the oppressor or accuser, especially if you do not know what that particular person is going through or feeling. In some situations if someone is saying negative things about a person that has not done anything and just hates them and puts their name in the dirt means that the person that is doing the talking will soon experience the pain that the non accuser is experiencing. That is scary because wide calf boots are larger than the orignal which usually makes the situation worse for the oppressor.