This English expression is used commonly as a metaphor in both written and spoken language although it is particularly prominent in literary works.
Meaning
The expression is used to mean that something is good although this positive attribute is not immediately noticed. It is often used when looking back at an event which at the time seemed like it was a problem or set-back but which upon reflection was actually beneficial. An example could be losing your job which at the time seems negative. However, after time you get a better and more enjoyable job and thus looking back losing your job was in fact “a blessing in disguise” as it resulted in something positive.
Etymology
It is believed that the idiom “a blessing in disguise” dates to the mid-1700s, however the first usage of the expression is yet to be verified. The earliest written instance of the expression can be found in the 1746 poem Reflections on a Flower-Garden by English poet James Hervey. It is suggested however that the phrase had been used prior to this in both written pieces which have not been discovered and in spoken language.
Example
An example of the usage of this expression can be found in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest which reads “And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow. I would merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”
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Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
This English expression is commonly used in spoken language in a metaphorical sense although it derives from a much more literal usage.
Meaning
The expression is used to signify that someone is very determined in doing something and has little or no regard regarding the possible consequences on other people. Generally, this disregard is for the feelings of others and is done in a rather aggressive manner.
Etymology
It is suggested that this expression was first used in the 19th century in a much more literal sense as a military command meaning that the objective was to kill everyone. At this time when a battle was over the winning side would either kill all their enemies or would take them home as slaves and this is where the command “take no prisoners” derives from. It has not been established when the expression began to be used in a metaphorical sense but it is suggested that it was towards the beginning of the 20th century.
Example
An example of the usage of this expression can be found in a quote by Mary Frances Berry, former chairwoman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights who stated “when it comes to the cause of justice, I take no prisoners and I don’t believe in compromise.”
Ne ratez pas
Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
This English expression is not commonly used in spoken language but can be found in many literary works. It can be used interchangeably as “to hear it on the grapevine” and “to hear it through the grapevine.”
Meaning
The expression is used to denote the hearing of rumours about someone or something. It is used to suggest that the information was not verified but was heard through an informal contact.
Etymology
The term ‘grapevine telegraph’ was first recorded in a US dictionary in 1852. This was only 8 years after Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph. It is suggested that the word “grapevine” was used as the invention of this new technology was compared with winding and twisting the tendrils of a vine. It is therefore believed that the current expression which is used in an even more metaphorical sense relates to the fact that hearing something “on the grapevine” is the act of hearing something which has gone through several mediums before reaching the listener.
Example
An example of this expression can be found in the title of an article in the New York Times; “I Heard it Through the Diet Grapevine.” The article goes on to talk about a man who tried out some diets which were popular among his friends which they had told him were successful in order to lose weight.
Ne ratez pas
Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
This English expression is most commonly used in spoken language in fairly informal settings and does not relate in any way to the weather but rather to a human condition.
Meaning
The expression is used to denote that someone isn’t feeling very well. In general it is only used with minor illnesses or slight feelings of illness rather than serious conditions. It can also denote to a mental state and if someone is feeling a bit sad they may say that they are “feeling a bit under the weather.”
Etymology
The earliest recorded use of this expression dates back to 1835 from The Jeffersonville Daily Evening News, which writes “I own Jessica is somewhat under the weather to-day, figuratively and literally,’ said the gentleman, amusedly, giving a glance at the lady over in the corner.” It is suggested that the expression has nautical origins from when sailors were out at sea and began to feel a bit seasick they would go down below deck, away from the weather, in order to recuperate.
Example
An example of this expression can be found in Jarod Kintz’ book This Book is Not FOR SALE, which reads “I’m feeling a little under the weather. But once I open my umbrella, I’m sure I’ll begin to feel better.”
Ne ratez pas
Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
