in the wake of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the wake of’ mean?
The idiom "in the wake of" means to happen or occur after a significant event, often referring to the consequences or aftermath of that event.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "kick in" has several meanings and uses in the English language. Here are the facts about this idiom:
The term "kick in" comes from the verb "kick," which means to strike with the foot.
The idiom "in the wink of an eye" means to happen very quickly or to be done in an instant.
The idiom "in the wink of an eye" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes a very short period of time, suggesting that something happens rapidly or instantaneously. The phrase is believed to have originated from the action of winking, which is the rapid closing and opening of one eye.
The idiom "in the wind" means to feel or sense that something is about to happen or change, often referring to a situation that is not yet fully known or understood.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
The idiom "happen along" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It consists of the verb "happen" and the preposition "along," forming a complete phrase with its own distinct meaning.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
One of the most iconic idioms in the English language is "gone with the wind." The origin of this idiomatic expression can be traced back to Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, "Gone with the Wind," which was later adapted into a highly successful film in 1939.
An idiom used to describe someone or something from a person's past that unexpectedly reappears and has an impact on their present life or situation.
The idiom "ever after" is used to describe a state or condition that continues indefinitely, often referring to a happily ever after ending or a lasting outcome or consequence.
The idiom "down the road" means in the future or at a later time.
Decoding the Origins of "Wake of"
"on the heels of" is another idiomatic expression that shares a similar meaning to "in the wake of." It suggests a close sequence of events, with one occurrence happening immediately after another. The phrase "on the heels of" emphasizes the rapidity of the subsequent event or action, highlighting its close connection to the preceding one.
For example, imagine a scenario where a company announces a groundbreaking new product. Shortly after the announcement, competitors release their own versions, "on the heels of" the initial revelation. This idiom conveys the notion that the competitors acted quickly in response to the company's announcement, indicating a high level of competition and a need for swift action.
Similarly, the phrase "close on the heels of" intensifies the sense of immediacy and nearness between two events or actions. It suggests that the subsequent occurrence is in such close proximity to the preceding one that they almost overlap. This idiom implies that there is very little time or space separating the two events, emphasizing the swift and closely linked nature of their unfolding.
For instance, consider a situation where a major scandal rocks a political party. In a matter of days, several key members resign "close on the heels of" the scandal becoming public. This idiom highlights the rapid succession of events, indicating that the resignations occurred so quickly after the scandal broke that they were practically simultaneous. It underscores the urgency and immediate impact of the scandal within the party.
"after the fact" is another related idiom that can be used in conjunction with "in the wake of." It is often employed to describe something that occurs or is discovered after an event has taken place or a decision has been made. This idiom suggests that the information or realization comes to light once the initial event or action is already completed or in progress.
For example, imagine a detective investigating a crime scene. They sift through the evidence and interview witnesses, but it is only "after the fact" that they uncover a crucial clue that leads to the identity of the perpetrator. This idiom emphasizes that the important information was not known or available during the initial investigation, but was discovered afterward, influencing subsequent actions and decisions.
As with "in the wake of," these idioms also find their origins in nautical terminology. "On the heels of" refers to the footprints left behind by a person walking closely behind another, mimicking the sequence of events happening one after the other. "After the fact" alludes to the idea that knowledge is obtained or realized after the occurrence of something significant, just like the wake left by a passing ship in water.
The idiomatic expression "in the wake of" holds significance as a versatile phrase that captures the idea of cause and effect in a concise manner. It has expanded from its nautical origins to encompass a range of contexts and is widely used in various settings. By using this idiom, individuals can highlight the consequences and aftermath of significant events, encouraging further reflection and action. The related idioms "on the heels of," "close on the heels of," and "after the fact" further emphasize the rapidity, immediacy, and discovery of subsequent events or actions, offering additional nuances to the concept of cause and effect.
Example usage
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were forced to close down.
In the wake of the hurricane, the community came together to help rebuild the houses destroyed by the storm.
In the wake of the scandal, the company's reputation was severely damaged.
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