cave in: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘cave in’ mean?
The idiom "cave in" means to give in or yield to pressure or demands, especially after initially resisting or hesitating. It is often used to describe someone succumbing to persuasion, criticism, or threats.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw in the towel" means to give up or surrender in a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "eat it" means to accept or tolerate something unpleasant or embarrassing, often with resignation or humility.
The idiom "eat crow" means to admit a mistake or defeat and accept the consequences, often with humility and embarrassment.
The idiom "dive in" means to start or begin something quickly and enthusiastically, without hesitation or reservation.
The idiom "dig one's heels in" means to refuse to change one's mind or course of action despite pressure or opposition.
When someone digs in their heels, it means they refuse to change their position or opinion, often in a stubborn or resistant manner.
The idiom "die down" means to gradually become less intense, loud, or active.
The idiom "come to terms" means to accept or agree to something, especially after a period of negotiation or conflict.
The idiom "come down" means to make a decision or judgment, usually after careful consideration or evaluation.
Unmasking the Metaphorical Implications
The phrase "cave in" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the physical action of a cave collapsing or collapsing inward. It is used figuratively to describe yielding to pressure or giving in under certain circumstances.
The idiom can be traced back to the early 17th century, with the word "cave" deriving from the Latin word "cavus," meaning hollow. The concept of a cave-in has long been associated with danger and the destruction of structures. The idiom's connotation of yielding or giving in mirrors the notion of a physical collapse.
The phrase "cave in" is utilized in a variety of scenarios. It can refer to giving in to demands or pressure, surrendering to a stronger opponent, or succumbing to fear or anxiety.
Throughout history, "cave in" has been used in political, social, and personal contexts. It is often employed to describe instances where individuals, groups, or even entire societies choose to submit rather than confront or resist.
This idiom has become a fixture of the English language, regularly appearing in literature, journalism, and everyday conversations.
Despite the apparent clarity of meaning surrounding the idiom "cave in," there remains room for interpretation and nuanced understanding.
The idiom "cave in" has a long-standing history and is widely employed to convey the idea of surrender, yielding, or submitting under pressure.
The idiom "cede the field" is another expression related to "cave in." It signifies the act of surrendering or giving up entirely, usually in a metaphorical sense. While "cave in" implies giving in to pressure, "cede the field" suggests a complete abandonment of one's position or cause.
The idiom "throw in the towel" is also closely related to "cave in." It conveys the act of giving up or surrendering in defeat. Similar to "cave in" and "cede the field," "throw in the towel" implies yielding to circumstances or opponents.
Example usage
1. The heavy rain caused the roof of the old barn to cave in.
2. The pressure from the protesters eventually forced the government to cave in and change their policy.
3. The constant stress and pressure finally made John cave in and quit his job.
More "Collapse" idioms
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