Each week , we look at common words and expressions in the English language . Sometimes we explore their roots . How did they find their way into English ? Sometimes we simply explain how we use the words in our everyday lives . Today we will do both ! In honor of farmers around the world , we will explore the roots of the word "farm ." We will also give several expressions that come from farming . Now , you probably know that "farm " is a noun and a verb . "Farmers farm farms ." may not be the best sentence , but it is correct . Many years ago , the job of a farmer was not always growing crops . "The sum of money to be paid was called ferme ,” — or , in Modern English , farm . So , part of the job of a medieval farmer was to serve as a debt collector . Around the early 16th century , the word "farm " was used to mean the land held on lease for agricultural purposes . A short time later , “farm ” simply meant any land used for raising crops . By the end of that century , “farmer ” simply meant a person who raises crops and cultivates land . The work of a farmer is mainly outdoors . So , the weather can influence whether or not a crop is successful . Farmers know how to make use of good weather conditions when they have them . In other words , they know how to make hay when the sun shines . This expression may date back to the early 1500s . It comes from the fact that the best time to cut the grass is in dry , sunny weather . But we can all use this expressions . It means to take advantage of good , favorable conditions . Another way to explain it is to make the most of an opportunity when it is available . For example , with her husband was away on business , the woman decided to make hay while the sun shone . She did all the things around the house and the property that she could not do when her husband was home . A common expression in use today , to farm out , is actually very old . It comes from the old tradition of leasing land to a tenant farmer and letting the landowner collect the payments . We continue to use the word "farm " in this way . If you farm something out , you find other people to do the work for you . For example , if a company is unable to complete all of its projects , it can farm out some of the work to other people . These temporary workers are often called subcontractors . Every industry has some work that it farms out to other people . Now , let's go back to “farm ” meaning a place where food is grown . Farmers begin by planting seeds in the ground . In American English , however , seed money is not the money you spend on the seeds to be planted on your land . "Seed money " is the money you use to invest in a project or business . It is the money that helps to grow an idea . On the other hand , when something goes to seed , it is in poor condition because of a lack of care . If you keep up with something , it will not go to seed . Let's hear how this expression can be used . Have you seen Joan recently ? No , not for some time . I was at her house yesterday and she has really let it go to seed . Two windows are broken , her bathroom sink isn't working and some of the house paint is coming off . She has been really busy working . She probably doesn't have time to keep up with the house . Let's get friends together and help her out . I actually love painting houses . Now , there are a few “farm ” expressions that you probably should avoid . For example , some Americans used to call a place where people go to lose weight a fat farm . Today , we call them health resorts or wellness centers . A funny farm is another inappropriate term . It means a mental hospital . Finally , if someone bought the farm , it means he or she has died . But this is not a respectful way to share news of a person's death . Again , it is not a good idea to use these three terms . But sometimes learning what not to say is as important as learning what to say . But we will leave you with a “farm ” expression that is still fine to use . If you bet the farm , you risk everything you have on an idea or project that you think will be successful . We can also use this as a way of saying that we are very sure about something , as in this example : Did you hear about Madison ? She's planning on opening a coffee shop . Do you really think she will ? I'd bet the farm on it . When Madison says she's going to do something , she does it ! But we'll be back next week with a new one . You can bet the farm on it !