What does the idiom "the life and soul of sth" mean?
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 the life and soul of sth mean? In what situations is the life and soul of sth used?
Meaning of "the life and soul of sth"
Meaning
The phrase ‘the life and soul of sth’ is used in reference to an individual or group of individuals who are not necessarily leading or managing an event, but bring a liveliness and enthusiasm to it.
Etymology
The origin of the phrase is not documented, however its meaning and use has remained relatively consistent. It likely first popped up in the context of music, used to refer to a performer or group of performers who had a knack for captivating an audience.
Usage
The phrase 'the life and soul of sth' is used to refer to people who exude an energy that brings light and vibrancy to a scene or situation. It is often used to describe people who light up a room and make an event more enjoyable; such people can be the main attraction or simply a welcomed addition. It is also used to compliment those who are able to use their enthusiasm and wit to keep conversations and social gatherings going.
Example Sentences
- Joseph was the life and soul of the party - it was impossible to have a conversation without him around.
- The life and soul of our team is Jean - she’s always the one getting people in the spirit.
- George is the life and soul of the office - there’s never a dull moment when he’s around.
The power of idioms transcends languages!
"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.
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