far be it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘far be it’ mean?
When we say "far be it," we are expressing a strong disagreement or denial towards a particular statement or suggestion. It is used to distance ourselves from something and to emphasize that we strongly believe the opposite to be true.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let alone" is used to emphasize that one thing is even more unlikely or difficult than another. It is commonly used to show contrast or to explain that something is too extreme or extreme for consideration.
The idiom "in the least" is used to emphasize that something is not at all or in any way. It is often used to express a strong negative sentiment or to emphasize a lack of expectation or possibility.
The idiom "in no way, shape, or form" emphasizes a strong denial or opposition to something, indicating that there is absolutely no possibility or resemblance to a particular thing or situation.
The idiom "I don't know about that" is used to express doubt or skepticism towards a statement or proposition. It implies that the speaker does not have enough information or disagrees with the statement in question.
The idiom "heaven forbid" is used to express a strong desire for something not to happen, often followed by a negative outcome. It is often used to emphasize the speaker's hope or wish to avoid a particular situation.
The idiom "go so far as" means to do or say something extreme or extreme action, often implying that it is beyond what is expected or necessary.
The idiom "go far" means to achieve great success or make significant progress in one's endeavors or career.
The idiom "God forbid" is used to express a strong wish or desire that something does not happen or come true, often in relation to a negative or unfortunate event.
The idiom "get outta here" is used to express disbelief or surprise at something someone has said. It is often used in an informal or casual setting to show skepticism or astonishment. The phrase can also be used playfully or sarcastically.
Uncovering the Essence
The idiom "far be it" is a phrase that originates from Old English. Specifically, it comes from the phrase "far be it from someone." This idiomatic expression conveys a sense of distance, opposition, and disagreement. Its meaning is to strongly assert that something is not true or that someone is not capable of doing something. It is often used in a defensive or self-protective manner.
The idiom consists of two main components: "far" and "be it." The word "far" is an adverb that denotes a great distance or a considerable degree. In this idiom, it is used metaphorically to express the metaphorical distance between the speaker and the proposition being disputed or rejected. "Be it" is a verb phrase that functions as an imperative in this idiomatic expression, indicating that something should not be the case or that someone should not possess a certain quality or capability.
The idiomatic expression "far be it" is commonly used in the formulaic phrase "far be it from me." The pronoun or noun can be replaced to specify the person or entity making the assertion. This phrase is often used to distance oneself from a proposition or action that one finds objectionable, disagreeable, or inconsistent with one's beliefs, values, or self-perception.
The idiom can be found in a wide range of contexts, in both speech and writing. It is commonly used in informal and formal settings, across various registers and genres. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, journalism, politics, and everyday conversations.
One related idiom that is often used in conjunction with "far be it" is "far cry." "Far cry" is an idiomatic expression that means something is very different or distant from something else. It is used to emphasize the dissimilarity or contrast between two things. When someone uses the idiom "far cry" in combination with "far be it," they are emphasizing the vast difference between their perspective or assertion and the opposing viewpoint.
Another related idiom is "beg to differ." When someone says "I beg to differ," they are expressing disagreement with someone else's statement or opinion. This idiom suggests that the speaker holds a different view and strongly believes that their perspective is the correct one. When used in conjunction with "far be it," the speaker is not only disagreeing with the proposition but also asserting that it is far from their own viewpoint.
"far and away" is yet another related idiom. It means by a large margin or clearly surpassing all others. When combined with "far be it," the speaker is emphasizing that their perspective or assertion is not only different but also far superior or surpasses all other points of view.
The idiom "far be it" is deeply ingrained in the English language, with a long historical usage dating back to Old English. Its ubiquity and versatility make it a valuable tool for speakers and writers to express opposition, disagreement, and denial in a concise and impactful manner.
Despite the extensive information available about the idiom's usage and origin, there are still aspects that remain elusive. The precise moment in history when this idiom was first used, for example, is a detail that may forever remain beyond our reach. Similarly, the reasons for the idiom's enduring popularity and its ability to convey complex emotions and attitudes may be an enigma that defies definitive explanation.
However, these mysteries only add to the idiom's intrigue and significance, making it an idiosyncratic linguistic phenomenon worthy of exploration and appreciation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *far be it* can be used in a sentence:
1. Far be it from me to criticize, but I think your decision was a mistake.
2. Far be it from him to back down from a challenge; he always faces them head-on.
3. Far be it for them to admit defeat, they will keep trying until they succeed.
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