around the Horn: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘around the Horn’ mean?
The idiom *around the Horn* is derived from the nautical term *to go around the Horn*, meaning to sail around Cape Horn in South America. In idiomatic usage, it refers to traveling a longer or more difficult route to reach a particular destination or goal.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "know one's way around" means to be familiar with or knowledgeable about a particular place, task, or subject.
The idiom "jump through hoops" means to go to great lengths or make a considerable effort to achieve or satisfy someone's demands or expectations.
The idiom "horse around" means to engage in playful, often rowdy or foolish behavior. It is used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or wasting time by being silly or disruptive.
The idiom "hit the road" means to leave or start a journey. It suggests the action of physically hitting a road to begin a trip or adventure.
The idiom "head for the hills" means to quickly run away or escape from a dangerous or threatening situation.
The idiom "head south" means to go in the wrong direction or to experience a decline or failure.
The idiom "have been around" means to have a lot of experience or knowledge about something, often implying that one has seen or encountered various situations or people over a long period of time.
The idiom "go to the ends of the earth" means to do everything possible or make extreme efforts to achieve or find something.
The idiom "go to sea" means to embark on a journey or venture into the unknown. It implies taking risks or engaging in new experiences. This expression is often used metaphorically to describe someone starting a new job or undertaking a challenging task.
The idiom "go south" means to decline, fail, or deteriorate. It is often used when describing a situation or a project that is no longer successful or going as planned.
Navigating High Seas
The idiom "around the horn" has various meanings, depending on the context. Literally, it refers to the journey of sailing ships around Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. This route was often taken by ships sailing from the east coast of North America to the west coast during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s.
Figuratively, "around the horn" is commonly used in baseball. It describes a baserunner who takes a wide path around third base to avoid being tagged out by the catcher at home plate. This tactic is employed when the baserunner believes they cannot outrun the throw from the outfield to home plate.
Another figurative use of "around the horn" is in the world of television. It refers to a programming schedule in which a show is syndicated and shown on different stations across the country, creating a circuitous broadcasting route. This use of the idiom is derived from the sailing journey around Cape Horn, as it implies a long and winding path.
In everyday language, "around the horn" is colloquially used to mean taking a longer, more indirect route to reach a destination or achieve a goal. This usage is often associated with avoiding obstacles or difficulties along the way.
"around Robin Hood's barn" is a related idiom that shares similarities with "around the horn". It also means taking a circuitous route to reach a destination. The use of "Robin Hood's barn" adds a playful and whimsical element to the idiom, referencing the legendary character and his hideout. Just like "around the horn", "around Robin Hood's barn" implies a longer and less direct path.
"go around the houses" is another related idiom that has similarities with "around the horn". It means taking unnecessary or indirect steps to accomplish something. The phrase "go around the houses" suggests navigating through a maze of streets or obstacles, prolonging the journey. Like "around the horn" and "around Robin Hood's barn", "go around the houses" conveys the idea of a longer and more complex route.
The idiom "around the horn" has multiple meanings, ranging from its literal origin as a treacherous sailing route to its figurative applications in sports, television, and everyday language. The versatility of this idiom allows for a wide range of interpretations and usage, making it a fascinating and dynamic phrase to explore.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "around the Horn" can be used in a sentence:
- The ship sailed around the Horn, encountering treacherous weather conditions.
- The team is planning to travel around the Horn to reach their destination faster.
- He took the long route around the Horn to avoid heavy traffic on the main road.
More "Nautical" idioms
