blow to kingdom come: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blow to kingdom come’ mean?
The idiom "blow to kingdom come" means to completely destroy something or someone with a powerful explosion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knock the stuffing out of" means to greatly weaken or defeat someone or something, typically through a powerful physical or emotional blow or shock.
The idiom "go up in flames" means to fail or be destroyed in a dramatic or disastrous way.
The idiom "go out with a bang" means to end something, such as a project or an event, in a spectacular or memorable way, often generating a lot of excitement or attention.
The idiom "go down in flames" means to suffer a significant and public failure or defeat. It is often used to describe a situation where all efforts or plans end in disaster or are unsuccessful.
The idiom "dry up and blow away" means to disappear or become forgotten, often due to lack of attention or relevance. It conveys the idea of something becoming insignificant or irrelevant over time.
The idiom "bring to nought" means to render something useless or ineffective, causing it to have no value or purpose.
The idiom "bomb out" means to fail or perform badly in a particular situation or endeavor.
The idiom "blow this pop stand" means to leave or exit a place, particularly when one is dissatisfied or bored with the current situation.
The idiom "blow the doors off" means to greatly surpass or exceed expectations or performance, often in a remarkable or astonishing way.
Fiery Annihilation
The idiom "blow away" is a related expression that shares similarities with "blow to kingdom come." It is used to describe a situation where something or someone is impressed or amazed to an extreme degree. Just as "blow to kingdom come" conveys the idea of total destruction, "blow away" emphasizes the overwhelming impact or impression that something or someone has on another person.
"blow me down" is another related idiom that is often used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is typically used when something unexpected or extraordinary happens, causing the speaker to feel amazed or astonished. This idiom is similar to "blow away" in that it denotes a strong reaction or feeling, albeit in a different context.
When we examine the idiom "blow to kingdom come," we recognize its descriptive power in conveying the idea of complete and utter destruction. To blow something or someone "to kingdom come" evokes imagery of a violent explosion or a forceful impact that obliterates everything in its path. The word "blow" itself implies a sudden burst of energy or force, capable of causing immense damage.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the English language, where it was first used in the early 19th century. Initially appearing in literary works and colloquial language, the expression quickly gained popularity due to its dramatic effect and intense imagery. It became a compelling way to describe the devastating impact of explosions or powerful blows.
One possible origin of this idiom can be found in religious texts, particularly the King James Version of the Bible. The phrase "kingdom come" is drawn from the Lord's Prayer, which speaks of the establishment of God's rule on earth. In this context, "kingdom come" refers to the final eschatological state where God's will is fully accomplished. Thus, a "blow to kingdom come" can be seen as an allusion to the complete annihilation of something, parallel to the destruction of the entire kingdom.
While "blow to kingdom come" is primarily used metaphorically, it is interesting to note that it can also carry a subtle religious connotation. The idea of "kingdom come" can evoke notions of judgment or the end times, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the expression. However, it is important to acknowledge that this religious undertone is not always present in the usage of the idiom and may vary depending on the context.
A related idiom, "blow away," shares similarities with "blow to kingdom come" in terms of its expressive power. When something or someone "blows you away," it means that they have deeply impressed or amazed you, often to an extreme degree. This idiom emphasizes the overwhelming impact or impression that something or someone has on another person, just like "blow to kingdom come" denotes the complete destruction caused by a powerful force.
Similarly, the idiom "blow me down" expresses surprise, shock, or disbelief in response to something unexpected or extraordinary. It is a colloquial way of conveying astonishment, as if one were metaphorically knocked down or blown away by the surprising event or situation. Although it is used in a different context, it shares a common thread with "blow to kingdom come" and "blow away" in terms of the strong reaction or feeling it conveys.
The idiom "blow to kingdom come" vividly encapsulates the destructive power of explosions or forceful impacts. It originated in the English language, gaining popularity in the early 19th century and becoming a staple in literary works and colloquial language. While it draws inspiration from religious texts, specifically the phrase "kingdom come" from the Lord's Prayer, its usage has expanded beyond its biblical significance and taken on a distinct meaning in contemporary language.
The related idioms "blow away" and "blow me down" share similarities with "blow to kingdom come" in terms of their impact and intensity. "Blow away" describes being impressed or amazed to an extreme degree, while "blow me down" expresses surprise or disbelief in response to something unexpected. These idioms provide additional nuances and dimensions to our understanding of the power of language to convey emotions and experiences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *blow to kingdom come* can be used in a sentence:
- He dropped the dynamite and blew the entire building to kingdom come.
- The bomb exploded, blowing the car to kingdom come.
- The strong winds blew the tent to kingdom come, leaving nothing but scattered pieces.
More "Destruction" idioms
