pass the river: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pass the river’ mean?
The idiom "pass the river" refers to successfully overcoming a difficult or challenging situation, often with perseverance or determination, as if crossing a river. It implies a sense of accomplishment or achievement despite obstacles.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up the creek" means being in a difficult or hopeless situation, often without any options or support.
"Sell the pass" is an idiom that means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain. The origin of the idiom comes from historical military strategies where a pass (a narrow path through mountains or hills) would be strategically sold by a person to the opposing army, allowing them to gain access and defeat their own side. The idiom is often used to describe situations where someone betrays their own team, group, or allies.
The idiom "sell down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain or to avoid trouble, by putting them in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, often without their knowledge or consent.
The idiom "scrape through" means to just barely succeed or pass, often with difficulty or by the smallest margin.
The idiom "scrape through" is often used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to achieve a desired outcome or success. It can be heard in colloquial speech across the United States, and has both literal and figurative meanings.
"Sail the Red Sea" means to undertake a difficult or dangerous task or journey.
The idiom "run the gauntlet" means to go through a difficult or dangerous experience where there are multiple challenges or obstacles to overcome.
Running the gauntlet is an idiom that originates from a form of military punishment. In this type of punishment, an individual would have to run between two rows of soldiers who would strike them with various weapons. It was a harsh disciplinary measure used to maintain order within the military.
The idiom "rock on" means to continue doing something in an enthusiastic and confident manner, often used as a way to express encouragement or admiration.
The idiom "rock on" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is derived from the action of rocking, which involves moving back and forth in a rhythmic manner. The idiom has a figurative meaning that conveys a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
The idiom "rise to the occasion" means to perform exceptionally well or exceed expectations when faced with a challenge or difficult situation.
The idiom "rise to the occasion" is commonly used in English language and has a well-established meaning. Its origin, however, is not clearly documented, leaving room for speculation about its exact etymology. Nonetheless, there are several facts about this idiom that can be established with certainty.
The idiom "rise to the challenge" means to confront and overcome a difficult situation or task with determination, resilience, and success.
Hidden Depths
Pass the river is an idiom that is commonly used in the English language. It signifies overcoming obstacles or challenges. The idiom has its roots in ancient times when civilizations were often divided by rivers, making crossing a significant feat. However, in modern English, the idiom is more commonly used metaphorically. Pass the river is often used in a positive context, implying the successful overcoming of difficulties.
Pass the river, an idiom with both literal and figurative meanings, reflects a metaphorical portrayal of overcoming adversities. Historically, the origin of this expression can be linked to ancient times when crossing rivers was often a daunting task for civilizations. On a literal level, the phrase denotes physically moving across a river. However, in modern English, the idiom leans more towards its metaphorical usage.
The figurative interpretation of "pass the river" implies conquering obstacles or challenges. This usage highlights the notion of successfully overcoming difficulties, with the river representing these hurdles. The idiom carries a positive connotation, suggesting a sense of achievement and resilience. It can be related to other idioms that involve crossing bodies of water such as "cross the Rhine" and "cross the Thames."
In contemporary language and literature, the idiom "pass the river" can be found in various contexts. It is often employed in inspirational or motivational speeches, encouraging individuals to persevere and triumph over their difficulties. Similar to the idioms "up the creek" and "come through," which also convey the idea of overcoming challenges and emerging successfully.
Additionally, this expression is frequently used in literary works, serving as a metaphorical motif for character development or personal growth. It is similar to the idiomatic phrase "ride out," which suggests enduring hardships and coming out stronger on the other side. The idiom "pass the river" can add depth and meaning to a narrative.
"pass the river" is an idiom that encompasses the idea of triumphing over obstacles. It draws its origins from ancient times and has evolved to hold a primarily metaphorical meaning in present-day English. The idiom serves as a powerful tool for conveying the notion of overcoming challenges and achieving success. It can be related to other idioms like "cross the Rhine," "cross the Thames," "up the creek," "come through," and "ride out." These idioms all emphasize the concept of navigating difficulties and emerging victorious.
While we have explored the facts and interpretations of "pass the river," the possibilities surrounding this idiom remain vast. It continues to be used in various contexts, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the English language. As language evolves, so too does the potential for new understandings and applications of this idiomatic expression.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom pass the river can be used in a sentence:
- We had to find a boat to pass the river and continue our journey.
- They used a bridge to pass the river and reach the other side.
- The hikers had to devise a plan to safely pass the river during the hike.
The idiom pass the river is commonly used to describe the act of crossing a river, typically highlighting the need for a method, such as using a boat or a bridge, to safely traverse the water. It can be used in various contexts where a physical or metaphorical river is involved, indicating the need to overcome an obstacle or move forward.
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