of age: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘of age’ mean?
The idiom "of age" means reaching a certain maturity or legal age required for certain activities or responsibilities.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wise beyond one's years" is used to describe someone who displays a level of wisdom and maturity that is beyond what is expected for their age.
The idiom "ripe old age" means reaching an advanced and mature stage in life, often referring to someone who has lived a long and fulfilling life.
The idiom "ripe old age" is used to describe someone who has reached an advanced age. The word "ripe" means fully mature or developed, while "old age" specifically refers to the later stage of life.
The idiom "out of date" means something or someone that is no longer current, modern, or in fashion.
The idiom *out of bounds* means that something is prohibited or not allowed within a certain area or context.
Idiom: *on the point of*
Meaning: About to do something or reach a particular state or condition.
The idiom "on in years" refers to someone who is old or elderly.
The idiom "on in years" is a phrase that describes someone who is old or advanced in age. It conveys the concept of aging and is commonly used in American English.
The idiom "one's days are numbered" means that someone is likely to die soon or that their life will come to an end in the near future.
The idiom "one age with" means to be the same age as someone, usually used to describe a close friendship or relationship between people of the same age.
The idiom "old wine in a new bottle" means presenting something familiar or unchanged in a new or different way.
The idiom "old stager" refers to a person who has a wealth of experience and has been doing something for a long time. They are considered seasoned, knowledgeable, and skilled in their field.
Unveiling Maturity
The idiom "of age" is commonly used in the English language and has a straightforward meaning. It refers to the point in a person's life when they have reached the legal age or a certain level of maturity or experience. This idiom often denotes the transition from childhood to adulthood and carries various connotations based on cultural norms and legal systems.
In general, being "of age" means that someone has achieved the necessary age or qualities required for a particular activity, responsibility, or legal privilege. The exact age referred to as the threshold for being "of age" varies depending on the context and jurisdiction.
One common usage of the idiom is related to legal adulthood. In most countries, individuals are considered "of age" when they reach a certain age, typically 18 or 21, depending on the specific laws of the country or state. This notion of being "of age" often comes with increased rights and responsibilities, such as the ability to vote, drive, or sign legal contracts.
Besides legal adulthood, the idiom "of age" is also used to indicate the age at which a person is considered mature or experienced enough for a particular activity or role. For example, the phrase "come of age" implies that an individual has reached a level of maturity or understanding that is expected for certain behaviors or decision-making. When someone "comes of age," it suggests that they are ready to take on adult responsibilities or make independent choices.
Similarly, the phrase "acting one's age" refers to behaving in a manner that is considered appropriate for someone of a certain age. It implies that a person should exhibit maturity and responsibility in their actions and decisions, based on their age and the expectations associated with it. For example, if an adult is acting childish, someone might say, "You should act your age!" This phrase emphasizes the importance of behaving in a manner that aligns with one's age and responsibilities.
Another related idiom is "beyond one's years," which means that someone possesses knowledge, maturity, or abilities that are more advanced than what is typical for their age. When someone is said to be "beyond their years," it suggests that they have surpassed the expectations or limitations associated with their age group. This phrase highlights the idea that individuals can exhibit exceptional qualities or skills that extend beyond their chronological age.
The origin of the idiom "of age" can be traced to the Middle English phrase "of elde," which meant "of time" or "in due time." Over time, this phrase transitioned into "of age" and retained its meaning of reaching a state or status that is appropriate or expected based on time or maturity.
The idiom "of age" encompasses various aspects of legal maturity and personal development. It signifies the crossing of a threshold and implies that someone has gained the necessary age, experience, or understanding to fulfill certain responsibilities or engage in specific activities. Additionally, related idioms such as "come of age," "act one's age," and "beyond one's years" further highlight the importance of reaching different levels of maturity and behaving in accordance with one's age and capabilities. While the idiom itself is clear and well-defined, the implications and cultural interpretations surrounding it leave room for further exploration and discussion.
Example usage
1. John is finally of age, so he can legally vote in the upcoming election.
2. Sarah wanted to attend the concert, but she couldn't go because she was not of age yet.
3. In many countries, individuals are considered of age once they turn 18 years old.
More "Maturity" idioms
