special delivery: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "special delivery" has various meanings and uses in the English language.

One common usage of the phrase is in the context of postal services. "Special delivery" refers to a service provided by postal carriers where items are delivered quickly and often with a guarantee of next-day delivery. This is usually for urgent or important mail that requires expedited handling. The term dates back to the early 20th century when the postal service in the United States introduced special delivery stamps to denote this service.

In a figurative sense, "special delivery" is also used to describe something given or received with a sense of urgency or importance. It implies that the item or information being delivered is of significant value or significance. This usage is often seen in business, where important documents or messages are labeled as "special delivery" to indicate their significance or priority.

Beyond its literal and figurative meanings, "special delivery" can also be used as a metaphorical expression. It conveys the idea of something unexpected or surprising. It suggests that an event or circumstance is unusual or out of the ordinary, catching people off guard. For example, someone might say, "Her arrival was a special delivery; nobody expected her to show up at the party." This usage emphasizes the element of surprise and unexpectedness.

Furthermore, "special delivery" can also have a colloquial usage as a slang expression. In certain contexts, it can refer to a person, typically a romantic partner, who is considered extremely attractive or desirable. This usage equates the person to a valuable package or item that one is excited to receive, highlighting their perceived specialness and desirability.

The idiom "deliver the goods" is closely related to "special delivery." It means to fulfill expectations or produce the desired results. In other words, when someone delivers the goods, they successfully accomplish what they were expected or required to do. This is similar to the concept of special delivery in the sense that both imply something being delivered or provided in a satisfactory manner.

The idiom "special needs" relates to "special delivery" in terms of highlighting the importance or attention required for certain individuals or situations. "Special needs" refers to specific requirements or accommodations needed by individuals with disabilities or other exceptional circumstances. This usage emphasizes the notion of something needing special care or consideration, similar to the way special delivery implies heightened attention or urgency.

"on demand" is another idiom that can be connected to "special delivery." It means that something is available immediately or whenever it is requested. For example, a movie "on demand" can be viewed at any time, as opposed to following a predetermined schedule. This is similar to the concept of special delivery in the sense that both involve providing something quickly or promptly upon request.

The phrase "that ever walked on two legs" is not directly related to "special delivery." It is an exaggerated expression used to emphasize the exceptional qualities or characteristics of a person. It implies that the person being described is extraordinary or remarkable in some way. While not directly connected to special delivery, it does share the idea of something or someone being considered exceptional or out of the ordinary.

Lastly, the idiom "out of the ordinary" is closely related to "special delivery" in terms of conveying something unexpected or unusual. "Out of the ordinary" means that something is not typical or usual, deviating from what is normally expected. This aligns with the figurative usage of special delivery, which also emphasizes the element of surprise or unexpectedness.

The idiom "special delivery" has multiple meanings and uses in the English language. It can refer to expedited postal services, the urgency or importance of an item or message, unexpected or surprising events, and even colloquial slang for an attractive person. The versatility of this idiom allows it to convey various nuances depending on the context in which it is used, adding depth and richness to the English language.