Useful phrases to keep your writing connected
A phrase is a group of words that functions as a component in the syntax of a sentence, a single unit within a grammatical social scale. Phrases are used as eye catching words in write-ups and essays.
Here is a list of some of the more, and less, common phrases in the English language. Get to know the real meaning behind these phrases, when and how to use them and other less-known fact behind each phrase.
Beside Oneself
Meaning- The phrase ‘Beside Oneself’ describes a distressed person who is in an extreme emotional state, as a result of a situation that causes one to be out of his wit and senses.
Example of use- He was beside himself with grief when his wife died.
Fact-The first recorded use of the term is in the Old Testament (Acts 26:24): “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning makes thee mad.”
Doppelgänger
Meaning- A doppelgänger is a person that resembles, and looks like someone else, however, is not related to the first person.
Example of use- “I met your doppelgänger today, I thought it was you and I followed her till she took me for a stalker.”
Fact- The term ‘Doppelgänger’ is derived from German, and its actual meaning is “Ghostly Double”. Doppelgängers were considered to be omens of bad luck, and it was believed that if a person met his/her doppelgänger, it was a sign of an upcoming danger or even death. Its first appearance in English was in 1851, in ‘The Denham tracts’, a collection of folklore by M.A. Denham.
Down to the Wire
Meaning- This phrase is also a well-known idiom which means waiting until the last minute to do something.
Example of use: I’m supposed to submit my paper tomorrow which I have not even started. I will have to work down to the wire to finish it on time”.
Fact-The origin of “Down to the Wire” is from Horse-Racing. In the late 19th century, a small wire or ribbon was strung across the track, above the finish line, to help the judges determine which horse crossed the finish line first ie. one crossing the wire first. An early example appeared in Scribner’s Magazine in 1889, in the story ‘How the derby was won’: “As the end of the stand was reached Timarch worked up to Petrel, and the two raced down to the wire”.
In the Pink
Meaning- To describe someone as to be ‘In the Pink’ means that he/she is in the peak physical condition and in the best possible health.
Example of use: “Sasha recovered from her surgery in less than 10 days, and is now in the pink.”
Fact-The first recorded use of the phrase was in the 1597 play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Shakespeare: “I am the pinke of curtesie”. However, at that time the meaning of the phrase was different, and it meant the very best example, the pinnacle, and didn’t necessarily refer to health.
Much Ado about Nothing
Meaning- It means to overreact and make a big deal of fuss over something unimportant or useless.
Example of use: “People have been getting very upset about the arrangements for the Christmas dinner, but as far as I’m concerned it’s all much ado about nothing.”
Fact-‘Much Ado about Nothing’ is the title of a well-known play by Shakespeare. The phrase assimilated into the English language and is still used in its original form.
Stay tuned for the next article inthis series, which will contain phrases from around the world, and some more interesting facts…..
-to be continued
