drown out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘drown out’ mean?
The idiom "drown out" means to overpower or overshadow something, making it difficult or impossible to hear or notice. It is often used to describe a situation where one sound or voice is so loud that it drowns out all other sounds or voices.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "water down" means to dilute or weaken something, making it less potent or effective.
The idiom "I can't hear you over the sound of" is used to express that someone's voice is being drowned out or ignored because there is a louder noise or distraction present.
The idiom "edge out" means to narrowly defeat, surpass, or outdo someone or something, usually by a small margin or by using one's advantages or skills.
The idiom "duck down" means to quickly lower one's head or body to avoid being seen, hit, or caught. It is often used in situations where one needs to hide or protect themselves from something or someone.
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 "drop in the ocean" means a very small and insignificant amount compared to the overall need or problem.
The idiom "do away with" means to eliminate or get rid of something completely. It is often used to talk about getting rid of something that is considered unnecessary or undesirable.
The idiom "die out" means to cease to exist or become extinct. It is often used to describe the decline or disappearance of a species, a language, or a cultural tradition.
The idiom "die down" means to gradually become less intense, loud, or active.
Origin: Muffled Echoes
The idiom "drown out" is commonly used in the English language and can be understood through its historical origin and usage in modern contexts.
One of the key facts about the idiom "drown out" is that it is a phrasal verb composed of the verb "drown" and the particle "out." The verb "drown" refers to being suffocated or overwhelmed by water, resulting in death. The particle "out" denotes a movement away or removal.
When used as an idiom, "drown out" has a figurative meaning. It refers to overpowering or overwhelming a sound or noise by creating a louder or more dominant sound. This can be compared to saying, "I can't hear you over the sound of" something, indicating that the noise is so loud it prevents hearing clearly. Another related idiom is "deafening silence," which describes a silence so complete and profound that it is overwhelming or overpowering in itself.
The origins of the idiom "drown out" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The term "drown," in the sense of overpowering or overwhelming, is believed to have originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old English word "druncnian." The particle "out" has been used in various idiomatic expressions throughout the history of the English language, indicating removal or separation.
Throughout history, the idiom "drown out" has been used in different contexts. It has been associated with the concept of noise pollution, where individuals or communities attempt to drown out unwanted sounds by playing music or creating other sources of noise. It has also been used to describe situations where a person's voice or opinion is overshadowed or silenced by louder voices or conflicting viewpoints. The idiom captures the tension between the desire for self-expression and the overwhelming forces that can inhibit or silence that expression.
Today, the idiom "drown out" is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in written and digital media. Its meaning remains consistent, indicating the act of overpowering or overwhelming a sound or noise. Interestingly, the idiom may also be used metaphorically in non-auditory contexts to describe situations where one thing or event dominates or overshadows another.
What's important to remember is that the idiom "drown out" highlights the power dynamics within communication. It brings our attention to the fact that dominant voices have the ability to drown out others, or, in other words, silence them. This is a reminder of the importance of actively listening to and amplifying marginalized voices, as they may otherwise be silenced by those in power.
The idiom "drown out" has a long history and a figurative meaning that goes beyond its literal definition. It represents the act of overpowering or overwhelming a sound or noise, and can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where one thing dominates or overshadows another. Understanding the implications of this idiom prompts us to consider the power dynamics within communication and the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *drown out* can be used in a sentence:
- During the protest, the loud chants of the crowd drowned out the speaker.
- She turned up the volume on the television to drown out the noise of the construction work happening outside.
- The sound of rain falling on the roof drowned out the soft music playing in the background.
More "Verb" idioms
