by halves: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by halves’ mean?
The idiom "by halves" means to do something incompletely or halfway. It implies not giving full effort or attention to a task or not achieving the desired result.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the half of it" means that something is incomplete or lacking important information. It suggests that there is more to a situation than what is currently known or stated.
The idiom "the half of it" is commonly used in American English and has a figurative meaning. Here are the facts about this idiom:
1. The idiom "the half of it" is derived from the phrase "you don't know the half of it."
The idiom "go halfsies" means to split the cost or share something equally between two people.
An idiom that means two things or people are extremely dissimilar or opposite in nature.
Throughout the vast expanse of information available on the internet, several undeniable facts emerge about the idiom "couldn't be more different." This idiom, commonly used in everyday conversations, holds a distinct position in the lexicon of idiomatic expressions.
The idiom "choke off" means to stop or prevent something from continuing or progressing.
The idiom "chip away" means to gradually make progress or achieve a goal by making small, incremental efforts or removing obstacles. It suggests the idea of steadily working towards a desired outcome.
The idiom "change horses in midstream" means to make a major decision or change of plans while already in the middle of a project or task.
The idiom "change horses in midstream" is a well-known expression in American English. It is commonly used to mean changing plans or strategies in the middle of a task or project. Just like it sounds, the idiom comes from the literal act of switching horses while crossing a stream or river.
The idiom "by no stretch of the imagination" means that something is absolutely impossible or implausible to imagine or believe.
The idiom "by no stretch of imagination" means that something is impossible or highly unlikely to be true or possible based on one's imagination or perception.
The idiom "by no stretch" means that something is not at all possible or not even a remote possibility. It is used to emphasize that there is no way a certain statement or comparison can be true or accurate.
Unfinished Narratives
The idiom "by halves" is closely related to several other idioms in the English language, each with its own unique connotations and usage. Let's take a closer look at these idioms and explore how they connect to the concept of doing something in a limited or incomplete manner.
One related phrase is "go halfsies," which is often used to suggest a split or division of something between two or more people. When individuals go halfsies, they are sharing the responsibility, cost, or outcome of an action or event. This idiom emphasizes the idea of not fully taking on the task or bearing the full burden of its consequences. It aligns with the notion of doing something "by halves" by indicating a shared or divided commitment to a particular endeavor.
Another idiomatic expression connected to "by halves" is "the half of it." This phrase is used to suggest that what has been mentioned or revealed is only part of the whole story or situation. It implies that there is more to be told or understood, emphasizing the incomplete nature of the information presented. In this context, doing something "by halves" can be seen as providing only a fragmentary or limited perspective, failing to fully grasp the entirety of a situation.
The phrase "bitch and a half" is another idiom linked to "by halves." Although it has a different origin and usage, both idioms convey a sense of intensity or extremity. "Bitch and a half" is typically used to describe something exceptionally challenging, difficult, or frustrating. It implies that the experience or task at hand is beyond the ordinary or expected. While "by halves" suggests a lack of full commitment, "bitch and a half" denotes an intensity or extremity that is far from being limited or incomplete. Nevertheless, these idioms share the common trait of going beyond the typical or expected levels of effort or difficulty.
The phrase "by a long shot" is another idiom that connects to the idea of doing something "by halves." This expression is often used to emphasize the vast difference between the expected outcome and the actual result. It suggests that the achievement or success falls significantly short of what was anticipated or desired. In this context, doing something "by halves" implies a lack of effort or dedication, resulting in an outcome that is far from the intended goal. The idiomatic phrase "by a long shot" reinforces the notion of incompleteness or inadequacy associated with doing something "by halves."
Finally, we have the idiom "all over hell's half acre," which adds another layer to the concept of doing something "by halves." This phrase is typically used to describe a situation or event that is scattered, disorganized, or spread out over a large area. It suggests a lack of focus or concentration, with attention and effort dispersed across different places or tasks. While it is not directly connected to the notion of incomplete or limited commitment, "all over hell's half acre" exhibits a similar lack of organization or dedication. It shares a sense of disarray or scatteredness that echoes the idea of doing something "by halves."
The idiom "by halves" captures the concept of not fully committing or completing a task. It aligns with related idioms such as "go halfsies," "the half of it," "bitch and a half," "by a long shot," and "all over hell's half acre," each of which add their own nuances and perspectives to this theme. From sharing the responsibility to highlighting partial information, and from extreme difficulty to falling significantly short of expectations, these idioms contribute to our understanding of what it means to do something "by halves." They underscore the importance of wholeheartedness, dedication, and thoroughness in achieving meaningful and satisfying outcomes.
Example usage
- She never does anything by halves, she always gives her full effort.
- John is not the type of person to do things by halves, he always goes all in.
- Don't approach the project by halves, make sure you fully commit to it.
The idiom "by halves" is used to describe someone who does not do things with half-hearted effort, but rather gives their full commitment and effort to a task or project. It implies that the person does not do things in a half-hearted or incomplete manner, but instead puts in their maximum effort. The idiom can also be used to advise someone not to approach a task with half-measures, but rather to fully commit to it. Overall, the idiom conveys the idea of wholeheartedness and complete dedication rather than a superficial or partial approach.
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