What does the idiom "stew in one\'s own juice" mean?
You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase stew in one\'s own juice, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression stew in one\'s own juice used and what is its meaning?
Meaning of "stew in one\'s own juice"
Meaning
The idiom 'stew in one's own juice' is an expression used to describe the process of letting someone suffer the consequences of their actions without giving them help or relief. When someone is “stewing in their own juice” they are dealing with whatever results they have caused, with no assistance or interference from anyone else. The idiom implies that the person is stewing in a metaphorical “juice” of their own making, and will stay there until they have fully dealt with the repercussions of their misdeeds.
Etymology
The phrase “stew in one’s own juices” has been documented as early as 1854 in William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel, The Newcomes. In that story, Thackeray writes: “He was left to stew in his own juice.” Since then, this expression has been used in various forms, including “simmer in one’s own sauce,” “fry in one’s own fat,” and “simmer in one’s own brew.”
The origin of the phrase is likely related to the traditional cooking process of braising, where an ingredient is cooked slowly in a liquid, such as a sauce or its own juices. This slow cooking process results in a tender, flavorful dish. It has been suggested that the phrase was originally meant to refer to the metaphorical “cooking” of a person who was left to suffer the consequences of their actions with no help from anyone else.
Usage
The phrase “stew in one’s own juice” is often used to describe a situation where someone is dealing with the results of their actions without help from an outside source. For instance, a parent might use the phrase when scolding a child for getting into trouble, telling the child that he or she should learn from their mistakes and “stew in their own juice.”
The phrase can also be used in a more general sense to suggest that people should be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for the consequences they have caused. For example, if someone is caught doing something wrong, they might be told to “stew in their
The universal role of idioms
"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.
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