from here to Sunday: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "from here to Sunday" is a common phrase in English that emphasizes the extent or duration of something, often implying comprehensiveness or exhaustiveness. It is believed to have originated from early American English.

One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is related to the religious observance of Sundays in the United States. Sundays have long been considered a day of rest and leisure, allowing individuals ample time to engage in various activities. The idiom may have evolved as a way to convey the idea of a significant amount of time, similar to the concept of an entire week from Sunday to Sunday.

Another possible origin of this idiom can be traced to the game of American football. In this context, "Sunday" refers to game day, when professional football matches are typically held. The phrase may have been coined to emphasize the vastness of the playing field or the length of time it takes for a football game to be played, suggesting that something is extensive or thorough.

Alternatively, the idiom may have its roots in the practice of weekly planning or scheduling. Sunday is often seen as the start of the week, and individuals may spend this day organizing their tasks and responsibilities for the upcoming days. Consequently, the idiom "from here to Sunday" could imply a meticulous and comprehensive approach to planning or preparation.

While the exact origin of the idiom "from here to Sunday" remains uncertain, its usage and meaning have become deeply ingrained in the English language. It is a versatile phrase that can be employed in various contexts to emphasize the thoroughness, comprehensiveness, or extent of something. Whether referring to time, scope, or effort, the idiom effectively conveys the sense of going beyond the normal or expected limits.

The idiom "from here to Sunday" is not the only idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of extensive coverage or duration. There are other idioms, such as "from A to Z," "from cover to cover," and "from soup to nuts," that serve a similar purpose.

The idiom "from A to Z" is often used to describe something that covers the entire range or scope of a topic or subject. It emphasizes completeness and comprehensiveness, much like "from here to Sunday." For example, a comprehensive study may cover a subject from A to Z, leaving no stone unturned.

The phrase "from cover to cover" is commonly used when referring to reading a book thoroughly and completely. It suggests reading every page, from the first cover to the last, without skipping any sections. This idiom is synonymous with "from here to Sunday" in terms of conveying thoroughness or comprehensiveness, although it specifically relates to reading.

Similarly, the idiom "from soup to nuts" is often used to convey the idea of a comprehensive or all-encompassing experience. It originated from the practice of serving soup as the first course and nuts as the final course in a formal meal. "From soup to nuts" implies going through the entire range or sequence of something, leaving no part unfinished. Like "from here to Sunday," it emphasizes completeness and thoroughness.

These idiomatic expressions - "from A to Z," "from cover to cover," and "from soup to nuts" - share similarities with "from here to Sunday." They all convey the notion of thoroughness, comprehensiveness, and going beyond the expected limits. Each idiom has its own unique origin and usage, enriching the English language with vivid expressions and rhetorical devices.

The idiom "from here to Sunday" is a well-established phrase in the English language. Its exact origin may be elusive, but its usage is clear and widely recognized. It represents a way to emphasize the extent or duration of something and suggests a sense of thoroughness or comprehensiveness. As language continues to evolve, idioms like "from here to Sunday," "from A to Z," "from cover to cover," and "from soup to nuts" highlight the richness and possibility of expression in the English language.