bring sth home to sb

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. bring sth home to sb meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "bring sth home to sb"

Meaning

The idiom “bring something home to someone” is used to describe a situation in which someone experiences a feeling or realization directly related to their own life. It is used when someone makes a connection between an idea or concept and themselves in a personal or meaningful way. This phrase allows you to express the idea that someone has had a realization that makes something especially relevant and true to them.

Etymology

The phrase “bring something home to someone” has its roots in the 17th century. It has been documented in print as early as 1659, when an English poet named John Dryden used the expression in his work, The State of Innocence and the Fall of Man. In the poem, Dryden writes “Oh! Now I feel the smart, and adamantine chain, which brings home To my heart the crime of my forfeited reign.” Here, Dryden is using the phrase to show the moment of realization that comes when someone is made to feel the reality of a situation.

Usage

The idiom “bring something home to someone” is used frequently in everyday language. It is often used to express the idea that someone has been made aware of the gravity of a certain situation, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. This phrase can also be used to indicate that someone has had an epiphany or an “aha” moment.

Example Sentences

• When I heard about the environmental costs of plastics, it really brought home to me the importance of reducing my own consumption.
• It wasn't until I saw the documentary about animal rights abuses that the truth of the situation truly brought home to me.
• The first time I heard the statistic that one in four women experience domestic violence, it brought home to me how widespread the issue is.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.