“The Forgotten Commandment: Unveiling the 11th Divine Directive”
What does ‘11th commandment’ mean?
The idiom 11th commandment refers to an additional rule or principle that is not explicitly stated but is widely understood or expected to be followed.
Uncovering the Lost Directive
The idiom "11th commandment" has a distinct history associated with it, although its origin remains somewhat uncertain. What is known for certain is that the phrase is a figurative expression used to convey a sense of an unwritten rule or principle that is believed to be just as important as the Ten Commandments mentioned in the Bible. While the exact date of the idiom's first usage is unclear, it can be traced back to at least the mid-19th century.
One theory suggests that the idiom "11th commandment" emerged as a way to emphasize the significance and authority of a particular set of rules or beliefs that were not explicitly stated in religious texts. By adding an eleventh commandment, individuals can convey a sense of unparalleled importance or moral duty. This interpretation aligns with the belief that the Ten Commandments set forth the fundamental principles of morality and that the addition of an eleventh commandment would serve as a metaphorical expansion of those principles.
Another possibility is that the idiom "11th commandment" originated as a play on the expression "breaking the eleventh commandment," which means engaging in activities that are ethically or morally wrong. This usage highlights the notion that the existing ten commandments are comprehensive and cover a wide range of moral obligations. In this context, any transgression, not explicitly mentioned in the Ten Commandments, can be seen as a breach of the unwritten 11th commandment.
While its exact origin may remain elusive, the idiom "11th commandment" has found its way into various aspects of contemporary language usage, particularly in political and social discourse. In these contexts, it is often invoked to suggest the existence of an unspoken rule or ethical guideline that should not be violated, reinforcing the importance of adhering to certain principles or values.
Overall, the idiom "11th commandment" has evolved to represent a concept beyond religious connotations. It has become a metaphorical expression used to emphasize the existence of an abstract moral or ethical code that goes beyond what is explicitly stated. Whether employed to underscore the gravity of a particular set of rules or used more broadly to emphasize behavioral expectations, the idiom serves as a reminder of the unwritten principles that shape our societies.
Example usage
The idiom "11th commandment" means an unwritten rule or guideline that is not officially recognized but is commonly understood or accepted. Here are three examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence:
1. "In our office, we have an unwritten 11th commandment: never speak ill of your colleagues behind their backs."
2. "While there are ten official rules of the game, experienced players know there's an 11th commandment: always keep your eye on the ball."
3. "When it comes to family gatherings, there seems to be an unspoken 11th commandment: never discuss politics at the dinner table."
In various contexts, the idiom "11th commandment" is used to refer to an unwritten rule or guideline that is commonly understood or accepted by a certain group of people, even though it is not formally recognized. It implies that there is an additional commandment beyond the initial ten commandments, which are considered to be the primary religious or moral directives.
Example 1 illustrates the use of the idiom in a workplace setting. The sentence suggests that within the office, there exists an unspoken rule or guideline, often referred to as the 11th commandment, which advises against speaking negatively about colleagues when they are not present.
The second example demonstrates the idiom being applied in the context of a game. While there are officially ten rules of the game, experienced players recognize an unwritten 11th commandment that emphasizes the importance of keeping focus on the ball at all times.
The third sentence utilizes the idiom within the framework of a family gathering. It suggests that there is an unspoken rule, known as the 11th commandment, which discourages engaging in political discussions during meals with family members.
Overall, the idiom "11th commandment" serves to highlight the existence of unspoken rules or guidelines that are commonly understood and accepted within specific contexts.
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