What does the idiom "in broad daylight" mean?
The expression in broad daylight 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 in broad daylight idiom.
Meaning of "in broad daylight"
Meaning
The phrase 'in broad daylight' is an idiom derived from a literal meaning of 'in broad sunlight'. It is used to refer to a situation or event that is happening in the open, and in a manner that is widely seen or noticed. It expresses a sense of disclosure, or the idea that something is not hidden or discreet. It is often used to describe a remarkable action or event, one which can't be ignored or overlooked.
Etymology
The first recorded use of the phrase 'in broad daylight' can be found in the 1590 book "A Souldier's Exercise". It was written by English author Thomas Preston, who uses the phrase to refer to a figurative sense of a battle that is “fought in broad daylight”, rather than after the onset of nightfall. The phrase itself is likely derived from a literal meaning of ‘in broad sunlight’ - with 'broad' meaning 'wide' or 'Extended in width', and 'daylight' referring to the illumination provided by the brightness of day exposure.
Usage
The phrase 'in broad daylight' is generally used to suggest openness and visibility. It can be used in a variety of contexts, but its meaning is consistent across all of them. It can be used in a literal sense to refer to a situation or event that is happening outdoors in the bright of day - or, conversely, it can be used in a figurative sense, to describe an event or situation that is happening in the open, or publicly. For example, ‘The thief robbed the bank in broad daylight’ suggests that the crime was committed without any attempt to conceal it, as it could have been seen and noticed by anyone passing by. Similarly, ‘The government's corruption was exposed in broad daylight’ implies that the scandalous behaviour was not hidden or kept secret, but was instead made public and was, as such, widely seen and talked about.
Example Sentences
- The government’s scandalous behaviour was exposed in broad daylight.
- The thief robbed the store in broad daylight and nobody noticed.
The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms
Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.
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