work a miracle

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase work a miracle, 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 work a miracle used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "work a miracle"

Meaning

The idiom 'work a miracle' has two meanings. The first meaning is to perform an extraordinary feat, typically of a spiritual or magical nature, to bring about a good result, usually seeming to defy the laws of nature. This usually occurs when something seemingly impossible is accomplished. The second meaning is to achieve an outstanding result, typically in a difficult situation or with limited resources. In other words, it is used to describe someone or something that is able to accomplish a great amount in a short amount of time, or with little to no resources.

Etymology

The idiom 'work a miracle' has been used since the late 15th century. It originally had a religious context, and was most likely derived from the Latin phrase “miraculum Dei” meaning “wonder of God”. The phrase was then adapted to refer to any extraordinary feat or accomplishment.

Usage

The idiom 'work a miracle' is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe an incredible or amazing feat or accomplishment. It can be used in both a positive and negative manner, depending on the context. For example, one could say “He worked a miracle,” to describe a positive accomplishment, or “She was unable to work a miracle,” to describe a negative outcome.

Example Sentences

• The doctor worked a miracle in saving the patient's life.
• The teacher was able to work a miracle in inspiring her students.
• Despite their limited resources, the team was able to work a miracle and finish the project on time.

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.