have the cheek

The expression have the cheek 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 have the cheek idiom.

Meaning of "have the cheek"

Meaning

The idiom "have the cheek" is an expression of boldness and audacity. It is used to describe someone who exhibits a certain level of boldness or nerve in a situation, often without regard for the consequences. The phrase is usually used to describe an act which is viewed as disrespectful or inappropriate, but it can also be used to commend someone for their courage or confidence in certain circumstances.

Etymology

The phrase "have the cheek" is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century, with its earliest printed use being in the 1840 publication of “The Book of English Proverbs” by John Ray, who defines it as meaning “to have the hardihood or assurance to risk the displeasure of others.” It was a commonly used phrase in the United Kingdom up until the mid-20th century, and is still used in some contexts to this day.

Usage

This phrase is mainly employed in informal social contexts and is often used in conversation to express disapproval or disapproval in a joking manner. It is also used to describe someone who is willing to challenge authority or social conventions in a bold way. It is also often used to describe someone who makes a daring or shocking statement without fear of the consequences. However, it can also be used to express admiration for a person’s courage in a difficult situation.

Example Sentences

• I can't believe she had the cheek to ask the teacher for an extension.
• He had the cheek to change the rules in the middle of the game.
• She had the cheek to stand up to the bosses and demand a raise.
• He had the cheek to propose to his girlfriend in the middle of a crowded restaurant.

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.