put oneself across: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘put oneself across’ mean?

The idiom "put oneself across" means to successfully communicate or convey one's ideas, thoughts, or opinions to others in a persuasive or effective manner.

Idiom Explorer

Deciphering Self-Expression

The idiom "put oneself across" is a common phrase in English that refers to effectively communicating or expressing oneself. It can be used in a variety of settings, such as public speaking, job interviews, or interpersonal communications. When someone is able to put themselves across, they are successful in getting their ideas or messages across to others in a clear and impactful way. This skill is important for making oneself clear and putting forward one's opinions.

One possible interpretation of the idiom is that it suggests the idea of presenting oneself or one's opinions clearly and persuasively. When someone is able to put themselves across, they are successful in getting their ideas or messages across to others in a way that is easily understood and impactful. This can be particularly important in various settings, such as public speaking, job interviews, or interpersonal communications.

Effective communication conveys understanding through clear articulation.

The idiom "put oneself across" is often used in a positive context, implying a level of skill or mastery in effective communication. It suggests that the individual is able to convey their thoughts, emotions, or arguments with clarity and confidence. This ability to make oneself clear and put forward one's opinions can be linked to the notion of charisma, as individuals who are able to put themselves across effectively often command attention and leave a lasting impression on others.

The origins and early usage of the idiom "put oneself across" are not well-documented, but it likely emerged from the broader use of the verb "put" to convey various actions or states. In this case, "put oneself across" specifically emphasizes the act of expressing oneself in a way that is successful in reaching others. The idiom's popularity and widespread use may be attributed to its clarity and conciseness in describing a complex concept.

It is worth noting that the idiom "put oneself across" can also have negative connotations in certain contexts. In some cases, it may imply a level of manipulation or a calculated effort to sway others' opinions. However, the overall usage and understanding of the idiom tend to lean more towards the positive interpretation of effective communication.

The idiom "put oneself across" captures the notion of successfully expressing oneself or communicating effectively. Whether used in a positive or negative context, this idiom highlights the importance of clear and impactful communication in various aspects of life. Its usage continues to evolve and adapt in contemporary discourse, reflecting the dynamic nature of the English language.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "put oneself across" can be used in a sentence:

1. During the interview, she was able to put herself across as a confident and capable candidate.

2. The professor used various teaching techniques to put himself across to his students.

3. The politician tried to put himself across as a trustworthy leader during his campaign.

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