in public

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does in public mean? In what situations is in public used?

Meaning of "in public"

Meaning

The phrase ‘in public’ is an idiom which refers to any activity, behavior, or event that is observable by anyone who is not directly involved. It implies that there is a public audience watching or listening, and the person involved has to bear the scrutiny of the public. It can also be used to describe a situation in which more than one person is involved, and thus can affect the reputation of the people involved.

Etymology

The phrase ‘in public’ is an idiomatic expression and thus has no exact etymology. It is likely a combination of two words, "in" and "public," which both have Latin roots. “In” is derived from the Latin “in” meaning ‘in or into’ and “public” is derived from the Latin “publicus” meaning ‘ open to the public.’

Usage

The phrase ‘in public’ is used to describe activities, behaviors, or events that are undertaken in the presence of the general public. It is commonly used to refer to events that are held in public spaces such as parks, streets, plazas, and other open locations. It is also used to describe activities or behaviors that are public in nature, such as speaking on stage or making a public announcement.

Example Sentences

• I can't believe she said that in public!
• He was embarrassed when he tripped in public.
• The protest was held in the public square.
• My parents never fought in public.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.