no wonder

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 no wonder mean? In what situations is no wonder used?

Meaning of "no wonder"

Meaning

The idiom “no wonder” is commonly used to express surprise or disbelief that something happened, or to acknowledge that something is explainable by a particular piece of information, especially when that information has only just been discovered. It is typically used in conversation and can also be written in informal contexts. The phrase may also be used to express a sense of admiration or approval for an accomplishment.

Etymology

The phrase “no wonder” originated in the late 19th century. It is derived from the older phrase “no marvel,” which was used to describe something that is difficult to believe or find surprising. By the early 20th century, the word “marvel” had become less commonly used and “no wonder” had become a popular substitute. It is derived from the Old English words “no” and “wundrian” which means “to wonder.”

Usage

The phrase “no wonder” is typically used informally in conversation or in writing. It is commonly used to describe situations that seem to be explainable in hindsight and to express surprise or disbelief. It can also be used to comment on another person’s achievement or success. For example, one might say “No wonder you got a promotion, you’ve been working so hard!” The phrase can also be used to describe a feeling of understanding or realization, such as “No wonder I never had any luck with that job – it was always a bit of a dead end.”

Example Sentences

• No wonder I couldn’t find it – it was in the last place I looked.
• No wonder he was so successful – he worked so hard!
• No wonder I didn’t understand the instructions – they were written in a foreign language.
• No wonder she was so stressed – she had three exams in one day!
• No wonder he’s tired – he was up all night studying!

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.