potter’s field: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘potter's field’ mean?
The idiom potter's field refers to a burial place for unidentified or unclaimed bodies, often used for those who couldn't afford a proper burial. The term originated from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, a potter's field that was purchased with his betrayal money.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take soil" means to be buried or interred in the ground after death.
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Put in the ground is an idiom commonly used in American English. It means to bury something or someone, often indicating the end or death of that thing or person. This idiom has both a literal and a figurative meaning, both of which can be traced back to the act of burying.
The idiom "pour one's heart out" means to confide or express one's deepest and most sincere emotions or thoughts to someone else.
The idiom "pour down the drain" means to waste or lose something valuable, especially time, effort, or resources, without any benefit or use. It conveys the idea of something being futile or ineffectual, as if it is being poured, or thrown away, down a drain with no possibility of retrieval.
The idiom "pound the pavement" means to walk or travel on foot, especially in search of employment or to promote a cause.
Pound the pavement is a common American idiom that has been in use since the early 20th century. The phrase is primarily used to describe the act of walking or physically searching for something, often in a determined and persistent manner.
The idiom "pound sand" means to engage in a futile or pointless activity, often used as an expression of dismissal or irritation towards someone.
The idiom *pound of flesh* refers to an unreasonable or extreme demand for repayment, often resulting in great harm or sacrifice to the person being asked to provide it.
The idiom "pound of flesh" is derived from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." In the play, a character named Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as payment for a loan.
"Potty mouth" refers to someone who frequently uses vulgar or obscene language. It is typically used to describe a person's speech that is considered crude and inappropriate. This idiom emphasizes the speaker's lack of decorum or proper manners when it comes to their choice of words.
Meaning Unearthed
The idiom "potter's field" has several facts associated with it. The term refers to a burial ground or cemetery for unknown or indigent individuals. It is derived from the Bible, specifically from the New Testament, in the Book of Matthew. According to the Bible, after Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and later died, the priests used the silver he had been paid to buy a field to bury strangers in, which then became known as the "field of blood." In a linguistic shift, this term eventually transformed into "potter's field," a name that has been used to describe burial sites for the poor or unknown.
Historically, "potter's field" has been associated with paupers, criminals, and unidentified individuals who were buried without any resources for a proper burial. The term has been used in various countries and cultures, including the United States, England, and Germany. In some cases, "potter's field" has also been used to bury the bodies of executed criminals, adding to its association with poverty and criminality.
The phrase "potter's field" has become a metaphor for a place or situation that is forgotten, neglected, or marginalized. It symbolizes the disposal of individuals without importance or recognition, reflecting societal attitudes towards those who are destitute or outcasts. It is often used figuratively to describe a person or group of people who are disregarded or treated as insignificant.
The idiom "potter's field" is related to the phrase "take soil." This phrase signifies the act of burying someone in a potter's field. In the context of the idiom, it emphasizes the finality of their resting place, devoid of recognition or remembrance. It implies that the individuals laid to rest in a potter's field are forever separated from the living world, their existence reduced to mere dirt and soil.
Additionally, the idiom "potter's field" is connected to the expression "know where the bodies are buried." This phrase connotes having inside knowledge or awareness of hidden or sensitive information. In the context of the idiom, it suggests that individuals who are familiar with the concept of a potter's field possess a deeper understanding of societal disparities and the consequences of neglect. They are aware of the invisible or forgotten individuals whose stories and struggles are buried in these fields.
The idiom "potter's field" is also linked to the idiom "put in the ground." This expression references the act of burying someone in a grave or cemetery. When used in relation to potter's field, it implies a lack of care or respect for the individuals laid to rest. It suggests that they are disposed of without ceremony or proper acknowledgment, reflecting the societal disregard for their lives and the challenges they faced.
Furthermore, the idiom "potter's field" bears a connection to the phrase "buried treasure." In the context of the idiom, "buried treasure" represents the valuable stories, experiences, and contributions of the individuals buried in a potter's field. It highlights the potential richness and depth that may be hidden within those considered insignificant or forgotten. It calls attention to the loss incurred by society when the stories and voices of these individuals are silenced and buried.
Lastly, the idiom "potter's field" is associated with the expression "dead and buried." This phrase signifies the finality of death and the permanence of burial. When used in the context of the idiom, it emphasizes the lack of recognition or remembrance for the individuals interred in a potter's field. It underscores their absence from collective memory and reinforces the societal tendency to dismiss or overlook those who are marginalized or deemed unworthy of remembrance.
While the idiom "potter's field" originated from a specific biblical reference, its broader meaning and significance have made it a powerful symbol in contemporary society. It reminds us of the need for compassion, social responsibility, and a more inclusive attitude towards those who are often overlooked or sidelined. The idiom invites us to contemplate the lasting impact of neglect and the potential for transformation and redemption in our collective memory.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "potter's field" can be used in a sentence:
- 1. The unidentified bodies were buried in a potter's field.
- 2. The abandoned land was converted into a potter's field for indigent burials.
- 3. The artist's career ended up in a potter's field, with his work largely forgotten after his death.
More "Burial" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
