the measles: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘the measles’ mean?
The idiom "the measles" is used to describe a situation or experience that is annoying or unpleasant, similar to having the actual illness. It implies a feeling of irritation or frustration, often related to dealing with a troublesome or bothersome person or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *the feathers fly* means a situation where there is a lot of noise, conflict, or commotion, usually resulting in a heated argument or fight.
The idiom "the devil" refers to a person or entity that is considered to be evil, dangerous, or destructive. It is often used to emphasize the negative qualities or actions of someone or something, highlighting their malicious or harmful nature.
The idiom "teething troubles" is used to describe the initial difficulties or problems that arise during the early stages of a project or endeavor.
The idiom "teething trouble" refers to initial difficulties or problems that arise when starting something new or implementing a new system, similar to the discomfort and challenges experienced by a baby when their teeth are growing.
The idiom "taste of one's own poison" means to experience the negative consequences of one's own harmful actions or words.
The idiom "taste of one's own medicine" means to experience the same negative treatment or consequences that one has given to others.
The idiom "take ill" means to become sick or fall ill. It is commonly used to describe the act of experiencing a decline in health or catching an illness.
The idiom "suck a lemon" means to have a sour or unpleasant experience. It implies dealing with something unenjoyable or unfavorable.
The idiom "suck a lemon" is a figurative phrase that can be used to convey a sense of displeasure, sourness, or bitterness towards a situation or an individual. Its origin and meaning can be traced back to the early years of the English language.
The idiom "sour grapes" refers to a negative attitude or criticism towards something that is unattainable or unappealing to the person. It implies that the person downplays or devalues what they cannot have or achieve.
Uncovering the Origins
measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is characterized by a distinctive red rash, fever, cough, and runny nose. This disease can be unpleasant, annoying, and bothersome for those affected. In fact, the idiom "the measles" is often used metaphorically to describe a situation or experience that is similarly unpleasant.
It is unclear exactly when and where this idiom originated, but it has been in use for several decades. When someone says that they have, get, or give someone "the measles," they are using the idiom in a figurative sense to convey the intensity and undesirability of a particular situation.
One might say, for example, "I have a deadline at work that is giving me the measles." In this case, the idiom is being used to emphasize the stressful and bothersome nature of the deadline. While the individual does not actually have the measles infection, they are likening the experience to the unpleasant symptoms and contagiousness of the disease.
Another example of this idiom in action is when someone says, "The traffic on my commute to work gives me the measles." In this case, the idiom is being used to describe the frustration and irritation caused by the traffic. While the person is not actually becoming ill with the measles, they are using the idiom to convey the negative effects of the situation.
The use of "the measles" in this idiomatic sense adds color and vividness to the description of an unpleasant experience. The association with a highly contagious disease like measles underscores the intensity and unwanted nature of the situation. It allows speakers to capture the nuances and complexities of human experience by using figurative language.
It is important to note that this idiom is well-established among English speakers and is understood by native speakers. While its exact origins remain unknown, its usage and understanding have become ingrained in the language.
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Example usage
Example 1: When I was a child, I caught the measles and had to stay home from school for a week.
Example 2: She was told that her symptoms were consistent with the measles, so she was quarantined to prevent spreading the disease.
Example 3: The outbreak of the measles in the city prompted a vaccination campaign to protect the population.
More "Disease" idioms
