close to home: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘close to home’ mean?
The idiom "close to home" means when something directly or personally affects someone emotionally or distressingly, often because it touches on sensitive or personal topics.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "near and dear" means something or someone that is very important and close to one's heart or emotionally significant.
The idiom "don't go there" is used to advise someone to avoid discussing a particular topic or situation, usually because it is sensitive, controversial, or likely to cause conflict.
The idiom "deep down" refers to one's true or hidden feelings, thoughts, or qualities. It suggests that there is an inner core, often different from one's external appearance, that truly represents who a person is.
The idiom "deep cut" refers to a situation or remark that causes emotional pain or distress. It suggests a profound and impactful wound that may take time to heal.
The idiom "cut from the same cloth" means that two or more people are very similar or alike in terms of their personality, characteristics, or beliefs.
The idiom "come to someone's aid" means to help or support someone in need or in a difficult situation.
The idiom "come to an end" means that something, like an event or a period of time, is reaching its conclusion or finishing. It indicates the completion or termination of a particular situation or activity.
The idiom "come to a close" means to reach the end or conclusion of something. It signifies the completion of an event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom *come home to roost* means that the negative consequences of one's actions will eventually catch up with them.
The idiom "come home by weeping cross" means to return home in a state of sadness or defeat.
Unexpected Origins
The idiom "close to home" is a common phrase used in the English language. It has a clear and straightforward meaning, relating to something that is personally or emotionally significant to an individual. The idiom is often used to describe situations or events that directly impact a person's life or well-being.
One fact about the idiom "close to home" is that it is a metaphorical expression. The word "home" in this idiom is not referring to a physical house but rather represents the emotional core or personal sphere of an individual. The idiom suggests that when something is close to home, it has a strong and immediate impact on a person's feelings or experiences.
The origin of the idiom "close to home" is unclear. The expression has been in use for centuries, and its exact origin cannot be pinpointed. It is a part of the idiomatic language and has evolved over time to become a commonly used phrase in modern English.
The idiom is often used in a wide range of contexts, both in spoken and written communication. It can be used to describe various situations, such as a news story that has a personal connection, an event that deeply affects someone's emotions, or a circumstance that hits close to one's personal life.
Furthermore, the idiom "close to home" is not limited to any specific region or culture. It is used by English speakers worldwide and has become a universal expression that conveys the same meaning regardless of geographical boundaries.
The idiom "at home" is closely related to "close to home." When something is described as being "at home," it means that it is comfortable, familiar, or well-suited to a person's preferences or abilities. This phrase emphasizes the sense of belonging and ease that comes from being in a familiar environment.
Similarly, the idiom "near and dear" is related to "close to home" as it refers to people or things that are deeply loved, cherished, or important to an individual. These are the people or things that are closest to one's heart and elicit strong feelings of attachment and affection.
"close in on" is another idiom that can be connected to "close to home." When someone says they are "close in on" a goal or target, it means they are getting closer to achieving it or reaching their desired outcome. This phrase implies a sense of progress and determination in pursuing a specific objective or result.
"around the corner" is a phrase that is often used interchangeably with "close to home." It signifies that something is imminent or near in the future. When an event, opportunity, or change is described as being "around the corner," it means that it is just about to happen or become available in the near future.
Lastly, the idiom "bring home" is related to "close to home" as it implies a personal connection or impact. When someone says that an issue or point "brings home" a certain aspect, it means that it highlights or emphasizes its relevance or significance to their personal life or experiences. This phrase underscores the idea that a particular issue or point hits close to home and resonates with an individual on a personal level.
The idiom "close to home" is a metaphorical expression that refers to something personally or emotionally significant to an individual. Its precise origin is unknown, but it has become a widely used phrase in the English language. The idiom is versatile and can be employed in various contexts to describe situations that have a direct impact or connection to a person's emotions or personal life. The phrase has a universal application and can be understood by English speakers everywhere. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its relevance in conveying the significance of personal and emotional attachments.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "close to home" can be used in a sentence:
1. The movie about a deadly virus hitting close to home made me realize the importance of health and safety.
2. When she started talking about my personal issues in front of everyone, it hit close to home and made me feel uncomfortable.
3. The news of the recent natural disaster struck close to home as several of my neighbors were affected.
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