down-to-earth: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘down-to-earth’ mean?
The idiom "down-to-earth" means to be practical, realistic, and grounded. It refers to someone who is down-to-earth in their thinking and behaviors, not arrogant or pretentious.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knock down a peg" means to humble or deflate someone's ego or pride. It is used when someone's self-importance or arrogance needs to be brought down to a more reasonable level.
The idiom "keep it real" means to stay true to oneself, be genuine, and not pretend to be something or someone else.
The idiom "just folks" means being ordinary, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, with a simple and relatable demeanor.
The idiom "hard-nosed" means someone who is tough, practical, and uncompromising. It describes a person who is not easily influenced by emotions, but rather focuses on facts and realities to make decisions.
The idiom "go to ground" means to hide or disappear, especially when being pursued or facing a difficult situation. It can also imply seeking shelter or protection, similar to animals going to their burrows underground.
The idiom "get off one's high horse" means to stop behaving arrogantly or condescendingly and to become more humble or down-to-earth.
The idiom "get down to cases" means to start discussing or dealing with the practical aspects or the main point of a situation or problem.
The idiom "get down to business" means to focus on the task or purpose at hand, and to start doing what needs to be done without wasting time.
The idiom "get down to brass tacks" means to focus on the main and essential details or topics, especially when discussing or solving a problem.
The idiom "get down to bedrock" means to reach the fundamental or essential aspects of something, stripping away all unnecessary layers or details.
Unveiling Earthly Wisdom
The idiom "down-to-earth" is a commonly used phrase in English. It describes individuals or things that are practical, realistic, and unpretentious. When someone is down-to-earth, they have a grounded perspective and a practical approach to life.
The origin of the idiom "down-to-earth" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The phrase is believed to have come from the idea of being close to the ground and having a practical outlook on life. The word "down" suggests a grounded perspective, as opposed to an idealistic or lofty one.
The idiom "down-to-earth" is often used in informal contexts to describe people. When someone is described as down-to-earth, it means they are practical, sensible, and level-headed. They don't have any pretense or arrogance and are approachable and relatable. This idiom can also be used to describe objects or concepts that are uncomplicated and straightforward.
One related idiom is "come down to earth." This phrase is used when someone needs to stop fantasizing or being overly idealistic and return to a practical or realistic mindset. It suggests a shift in perspective from a dreamy or unrealistic state to a more grounded and practical one. For example, after spending a day daydreaming about winning the lottery, someone might say, "It's time to come down to earth and focus on our real responsibilities."
Another related idiom is "get down to bedrock." This phrase is used when someone needs to focus on the most fundamental or essential aspects of a situation. It suggests stripping away any unnecessary or superficial elements and getting to the core or foundation. For example, when discussing a business plan, someone might say, "Let's get down to bedrock and determine the key elements that will make it successful."
It is important to note that the idiom "down-to-earth" is commonly used in everyday conversations, literature, and media. It is understood by English speakers worldwide, although its usage may vary slightly depending on cultural nuances and contexts.
The idiom "down-to-earth" embodies the qualities of pragmatism and simplicity. It is used to describe individuals or things that are practical, realistic, and unpretentious. The related idioms "come down to earth" and "get down to bedrock" provide additional depth to the concept of being down-to-earth, emphasizing the shift from idealism to practicality and the focus on essential elements. Overall, this idiom is a versatile expression that adds color and nuance to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "down-to-earth" can be used in a sentence:
- She is a down-to-earth person who never lets success get to her head.
- Despite his fame, the actor remains down-to-earth and treats everyone with respect.
- I appreciate his down-to-earth approach to problem-solving; he always finds practical solutions.
More "Adjectives" idioms
