Meaning of Phrases, Familiar Sayings and Idioms

Roots and Origins of Commonly Used Expressions

Oct 6, 2009

In the world of axioms and idioms, those of a Shakespearean origin are rivaled in number perhaps only by those whose beginning can be found in the Bible.

Every language has its idioms and familiar sayings which make it unique. Even within the same language – English, for example – colloquialisms and regional vernacular lend to an overall understanding of a particular culture.

One source that seems universal in its ability to engender popular sayings and phrases is the Bible.

Biblical Sayings

To some, it may be a bit surprising just how many every day sayings have their genesis (pun intended) in the Bible. From “a thorn in the flesh” to “a drop in the bucket”, English language Biblical idioms remain very much in use to this day.

At One's Wits' End

“To be at your wits’ end” – Meaning to be confounded or at a loss: not knowing what to do next. This saying can be found in the Old Testament book of Psalms. Part of a hymn which invites those redeemed by God to give Him praise, Psalms 107:27 in the New International Version of the Bible reads, “They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.”

The Writing on the Wall

“The writing on the wall” – Used in reference to a foretelling of imminent danger, this saying is taken from the book of Daniel. In Daniel 5, the then king of Babylon, Belshazzar, had given a feast. During the celebration, the king called for the gold and silver goblets that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken from the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. With the goblets, the king and his guests blasphemed God, causing the events of Daniel 5:5 to take place.

Daniel 5:5 in the New King James Version says, “In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.” The writing itself was a prophecy of the end of Belshazzar’s reign as well as the end of the united Babylonian kingdom.

Salt of the Earth

“Salt of the earth” - The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms defines this Biblical phrase as “a person or persons of great kindness, reliability or honesty”. The saying stems from Jesus’ own words recorded in the book of Matthew. Part of the famed Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13 states, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (NIV)

The Blind Leading the Blind

“The blind leading the blind” – Meaning those in charge or in the forefront are no better equipped to teach, inform or literally lead than those who follow them, this saying also finds it’s origin in the words of Jesus. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus answered some of his disciples’ fears regarding Jesus’ rebuffing of the traps set for him by the scribes and Pharisees saying, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” (King James Version)

The Powers that Be

“The powers that be” – This often used phrase refers to individuals or groups who are recognized as the management of authority, whether governmental or otherwise. The Apostle Paul, in the New Testament book of Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

The poetic prose of the writings of the Bible lends itself to many often repeated, easily quoted sayings. Perhaps because of this as well as the underlying meaning behind the words do these familiar phrases continue to circulate in both the written and oral form.

Welch, Jack. ”Rooted in Reality”. Louisville Magazine, Dec. 2, Vol. 55 Issue 2, p 80-80.

The copyright of the article Meaning of Phrases, Familiar Sayings and Idioms in Language Study is owned by Elvira Nieto. Permission to republish Meaning of Phrases, Familiar Sayings and Idioms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.