What does the idiom "be born yesterday" mean?

The expression be born yesterday is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the be born yesterday idiom.

Meaning of "be born yesterday"

Meaning

The idiom 'be born yesterday' is used to refer to someone who is naive, inexperienced, and ignorant. It is used to describe people who have yet to gain the knowledge and understanding of the world. It is shorthand for someone who lacks the wisdom of age and the experience that comes with it.

Etymology

The phrase originated in the United States in the mid-1800s and has been used ever since. It is thought that the phrase came from the phrase "no older than a day," meaning someone who has not yet experienced life enough to develop a proper understanding. It is also thought that the phrase came from the platitude that "children should be seen and not heard," as it implies someone who does not yet fully understand the world and should not be taken too seriously.

Usage

The phrase 'be born yesterday' is commonly used to refer to someone who is innocent, inexperienced, and unaware of the world. It is often used in a playful manner, but can also be used in a derogatory way. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, such as to describe a person's naivety in a particular situation, or to refer to someone who has not yet learned the norms of a particular situation.

Example Sentences

  • You don't know anything about cars - you must've been born yesterday!
  • Don't listen to him - he was born yesterday!
  • She's so naive - it's like she was born yesterday.
  • You can't trust him - it's like he was born yesterday.

The meanings of the words in the "be born yesterday" idiom

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.

NO COMMENT

No comment has been written about be born yesterday yet, you can write the first comment and share your thoughts with our other visitors.
Leave a Reply