Perish the thought definitions
| Word backwards | hsirep eht thguoht |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "perish the thought" is an idiom, which is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. In this case, it is used to dismiss or reject a thought or idea as too terrible to contemplate. |
| Syllabic division | per-ish the thought |
| Plural | The plural of "perish the thought" is "perish the thoughts." |
| Total letters | 16 |
| Vogais (4) | e,i,o,u |
| Consonants (6) | p,r,s,h,t,g |
Perish the Thought: The Meaning and Usage
When someone says "perish the thought," they are expressing their strong desire for a particular idea or scenario to be banished or completely discarded. This phrase is often used to dismiss a negative or undesirable thought, emphasizing that the speaker does not want to entertain such notions.
Origins of the Phrase
"Perish the thought" is a phrase that dates back to the late 19th century and has its roots in British English. It was originally used as a way to show contempt or disdain for a particular idea or suggestion. Over time, the phrase has evolved to become a common colloquial expression used to reject negative thoughts or possibilities.
Usage in Everyday Language
People often use "perish the thought" in casual conversations to express their reluctance to consider something unpleasant or unwanted. For example, if someone suggests that a favorite restaurant might close down, a person might respond by saying, "Perish the thought! I can't imagine a world without that place." In this context, the speaker is expressing their hope that the negative outcome does not come to pass.
Alternatives to "Perish the Thought"
There are several alternative phrases that convey a similar sentiment to "perish the thought." Some examples include "heaven forbid," "God forbid," or "not in a million years." These phrases all serve to reject a negative idea or outcome in a similar way to "perish the thought."
Whether used in a light-hearted manner or in a more serious context, "perish the thought" remains a powerful expression of negation and rejection of undesirable possibilities. Next time you find yourself confronted with a troubling idea, remember the phrase "perish the thought" and banish those negative thoughts from your mind.
Perish the thought Examples
- Perish the thought that she would ever gossip about her best friend.
- Perish the thought of missing out on such a great opportunity.
- Perish the thought of giving up before even trying.
- Perish the thought of losing touch with old friends.
- Perish the thought of forgetting to set the alarm for tomorrow's meeting.
- Perish the thought of leaving the house without your keys.
- Perish the thought of running out of coffee on a Monday morning.
- Perish the thought of not being able to find your phone when it's on silent mode.
- Perish the thought of missing the last train home.
- Perish the thought of not being prepared for the exam.