on in years: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on in years’ mean?
The idiom "on in years" refers to someone who is old or elderly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "year in, year out" means consistently or continuously over a long period of time, without any significant change or interruption.
The idiom "year in, year out" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes something that happens consistently, without fail, year after year. This phrase emphasizes the continuity and longevity of an action or event over a long period of time.
The idiom "salad year" refers to a youthful or inexperienced period of someone's life, often characterized by naivety, idealism, and lack of practical experience or wisdom.
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 "over the hill" refers to reaching a point in life where someone is considered old or past their prime, often used to describe someone who is no longer young or able to do things as well as they used to.
One of the most well-known idioms in the English language is "over the hill." This phrase is used to describe someone who is past their prime or no longer young and in their prime.
The idiom "out of date" means something or someone that is no longer current, modern, or in fashion.
The idiom "on the wane" means that something is declining or decreasing in strength, popularity, or influence. It describes a gradual and noticeable decline in a particular situation or condition.
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.
Deciphering Aging
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.
One fact about this idiom is that it is considered a formal or literary way of referring to someone's old age. It is often used in writing rather than casual conversation. It may be used in literature, formal speeches, or when discussing historical figures.
Another fact is that the phrase "on in years" is predominantly used in British English. In American English, a more commonly used idiom with a similar meaning is "advanced in age." However, it is still understood and used by some native speakers of American English.
The etymology of this idiom is unclear, but it can be assumed that the phrase originated from the idea that as a person grows older, they accumulate more years. This can be metaphorically represented by being "on" or "in" those years.
When analyzing the meaning of this idiom, it is important to consider its components individually. "On" typically signifies being physically positioned on something. In the context of this idiom, it implies that a person is actively experiencing or living in the years they have accumulated. "In" typically denotes inclusion or being within something. In the case of this idiom, it conveys the idea that a person is immersed or existing within the years of their life.
Taken together, the idiom "on in years" suggests that an individual is actively living and experiencing the years they have accumulated, indicating old age and a significant amount of time having passed since birth. This idiom expresses the concept of someone being advanced in age, potentially implying wisdom, experience, or the effects of aging.
The idiom "long in the tooth" is related to "on in years." It is another phrase used to describe someone who is old. This idiom implies that a person's teeth have been worn down over time, indicating age. It is similar in meaning to "on in years" and can be used interchangeably to convey the concept of old age.
The idiom "year in, year out" is also related to "on in years." It is a phrase used to describe the passage of time and the repetitive nature of certain activities. This idiom conveys the idea that something occurs consistently, year after year. When used in relation to someone who is "on in years," it further emphasizes the accumulation of time and the ongoing experience of old age.
The idiom "in all one's born days" is another phrase that is related to "on in years." It is used to express surprise or disbelief by emphasizing that something has never happened in all the years of a person's life. When used in conjunction with "on in years," it emphasizes the extensive period of time that someone has lived and experienced, further reinforcing the concept of old age and significant life experience.
The idiom "on in years" is a phrase used to describe someone who is old or advanced in age. It is considered a formal or literary expression and is mainly used in British English. The etymology of this idiom is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of actively experiencing or being immersed in the years of one's life. This idiom conveys the concept of aging and the passage of time, suggesting that the person being described has significant life experience or has reached a certain age.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on in years" can be used in a sentence:
- She may seem young, but she is actually quite on in years.
- My grandmother is still active and healthy, despite being on in years.
- He was surprised by the agility and strength of the man, considering he is quite on in years.
The idiom "on in years" is used to describe someone who is advanced in age or getting older. It suggests that the person has lived for a long time and is no longer considered young or in their prime. It can be used to indicate physical, mental, or emotional aging.
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