What does the idiom "be worn out" mean?
Are you using the idiom be worn out but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the be worn out idiom and the situations in which it is used.
Meaning of "be worn out"
Meaning
The phrase “be worn out” is an idiom that is used to describe a state of physical or emotional exhaustion. It is usually used to express a feeling of being … drained or worn down to the point of breaking. It can be applied to a person, thing, or situation, and indicates that the person, thing, or situation is no longer able to perform as it should or is expected to.
Etymology
The phrase “be worn out” has been in use since the 1600s, although its exact origins are unknown. The word “worn” is an Old English term that means “frayed” or “worn out”, which likely had an influence on the phrase. It is likely derived from the German word “wehren”, which means “to wear away”. This word has since been incorporated into several other languages, including English.
Usage
The phrase “be worn out” is generally used to describe a feeling of extreme exhaustion or fatigue, both physical and mental. It can also be used to describe a thing or situation that has become overused or exhausted, like an automobile or an idea. It is often used in conversation among friends and family, as well as in written English.
Example Sentences
- After a long day at work, I was completely worn out.
- This old car is starting to get worn out – it's time to get a new one.
- The team brainstormed for hours, but eventually their ideas began to get worn out.
The Global Spread of English Idioms
As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.
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