sing soprano: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘sing soprano’ mean?
"Sing soprano" is an idiom that means to be threatened or intimidated in a way that makes one feel vulnerable or fearful.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "strangle the parrot" means to silence or suppress someone or something, usually in a forceful or oppressive manner.
The idiom "strangle the parrot" is an intriguing phrase that has its origin in the world of theater and entertainment. This particular idiom finds its roots in the early 20th century and has a distinct connotation related to censorship and suppression of freedom of speech.
The idiom "spit feathers" means to be extremely angry or frustrated.
Spit feathers is an idiom that means to be extremely angry or irritated. This vivid phrase conveys a strong sense of frustration and anger, and it is commonly used in American English. The image evoked by this idiom is that of a person who is so angry that they are metaphorically spitting feathers from their mouth.
The idiom "speak out" means to express one's opinions or thoughts openly and boldly, often in challenging or difficult situations.
The idiom "siren song" refers to something that is alluring and tempting but also dangerous and deceptive.
The idiom "sing the praises of" means to highly praise or commend someone or something, typically in a public or prominent way.
The idiom "sing the praises of" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means to enthusiastically speak or write about someone or something in a positive manner. This figurative use of "sing" adds a vivid and creative element to the idiom, allowing speakers and writers to express their admiration or approval in a more poetic way.
The idiom "sing small" is a lesser-known expression in modern usage. It originates from an Old English phrase and has evolved in meaning over time. The primary meaning of this idiom is to express humility or to lower one's voice or presence in a situation.
The idiom "sing off the same hymn sheet" means to be in agreement or to have the same understanding of a situation or goal.
The idiom "singing soprano" means to have a high-pitched voice or to speak in a higher register. It is often used humorously to imply that someone has been injured in a way that affects their voice.
FAIL
Sing soprano is an idiom that describes someone in a vulnerable position or likely to face harm or punishment. The idiom is derived from singing, specifically referring to men or boys with high-pitched voices who sing soprano. This figurative phrase suggests that someone is in a dangerous or precarious situation. It can be used to describe a person at risk of physical harm, punishment, or negative consequences.
The idiom "singing soprano" is related to "sing soprano" in that it further emphasizes being in a vulnerable position. When someone is "singing soprano," they are expressing their vulnerability and the potential risk they face. It is similar to "sing soprano" in its metaphorical sense of being in danger or facing negative consequences. The phrase "at the top of one's voice" is also related, as it implies someone raising their voice or speaking loudly, potentially to draw attention to their vulnerability or to make their situation known.
"raise one's voice" is another idiom related to "sing soprano." It means speaking or expressing oneself forcefully or loudly. When someone raises their voice, they highlight their vulnerability or emphasize their point, often in a challenging or confrontational manner. This idiom can be used to describe situations where someone seeks to draw attention to their vulnerable position or to assert themselves despite the risk.
Another related idiom is "sing small." This phrase conveys the idea of keeping a low profile or not drawing attention to oneself. It can be used to describe someone who is aware of their vulnerable position and takes precautions to avoid attracting harm or punishment. In the context of "sing soprano," "sing small" is similar in its focus on vulnerability and the need to protect oneself from potential harm.
Lastly, the idiom "make a mountain out of a molehill" is related to "sing soprano" in that it pertains to someone exaggerating or blowing a situation out of proportion. When someone makes a mountain out of a molehill, they are magnifying the significance of a minor issue or problem. In the context of vulnerability, this idiom can reflect someone amplifying their sense of danger or risk, potentially as a defense mechanism or as a way to draw attention to their predicament.
To summarize, the idiom "sing soprano" is used to describe someone in a vulnerable or dangerous position. It can be related to idioms such as "singing soprano," "at the top of one's voice," "raise one's voice," "sing small," and "make a mountain out of a molehill." These idioms all share a common emphasis on vulnerability, risk, and the need to protect oneself or draw attention to a precarious situation.
Example usage
1. After the accident, his voice was permanently damaged and he could only sing soprano.
2. If you make fun of the mob boss, you might end up singing soprano.
3. She had such a high-pitched voice that people often joked she could sing soprano in a choir.
More "Music" idioms
