get thee behind me: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get thee behind me’ mean?
The idiom "get thee behind me" means to reject or resist temptation or negative influences. It comes from a biblical reference where Jesus tells Peter to get behind him when he tries to dissuade Jesus from his mission.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put something behind one" means to forget about something that has happened in the past and move on, leaving it behind emotionally and mentally.
The idiom "leave behind" means to forget or not bring something with you when you go somewhere. It can also mean to abandon or neglect someone or something.
The idiom "get under someone's skin" means to annoy or bother someone to the point where they feel irritated or angry. It refers to something or someone that has a persistent and intrusive effect on someone's emotions or thoughts.
The idiom "get underneath someone's skin" means to bother or annoy someone deeply, causing them to feel irritated or angry.
The idiom "get the lead out" means to hurry up or move faster, often used as an expression to urge someone to stop procrastinating or to speed up their actions.
The idiom "get someone's back up" means to irritate or cause someone to become defensive or angry.
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.
The idiom "get out of my face" means to ask someone to leave or go away because they are being annoying or intrusive.
The idiom "get out of here" is commonly used as a way to express disbelief or skepticism towards something. It is often used to show surprise or astonishment, and can be used in a variety of situations to convey a sense of disbelief or incredulity.
The idiom "get one's way" means to achieve what one wants or desires, usually by using persuasion, manipulation, or assertiveness.
Decoding the Biblical Phrase
One popular idiom that has been used for centuries is "get thee behind me." The exact origin of this phrase is unclear, but it has biblical roots and is often associated with resisting temptation. This idiom is used figuratively to tell someone to stay away or to reject something undesirable.
The phrase "get thee behind me" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically to Matthew 16:23 where Jesus tells Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan." In this context, Jesus rebukes Peter for trying to dissuade him from fulfilling his purpose. The phrase is commonly interpreted as a way of rejecting the influence of evil or temptation.
Over time, "get thee behind me" has taken on a broader meaning outside of its biblical context. It has come to represent the act of dismissing or pushing away something or someone that is unwanted or harmful. It is often used to resist temptation, negative influences, or anything that may hinder one's progress or well-being.
Examples of using this idiom can be seen in various situations. If someone is struggling with a temptation to indulge in unhealthy food, they might say, "Get thee behind me, donut!" to resist giving in to the craving. Similarly, someone might use the idiom to distance themselves from toxic relationships or negative influences by saying, "Get thee behind me, drama!"
This idiom has become ingrained in the English language, with its purposeful and commanding tone making it a powerful and memorable expression. It carries a sense of determination and an insistence on staying true to one's values or goals.
Another idiom related to "get thee behind me" is "behind someone's back." This phrase means to do something without someone's knowledge or in a secretive manner. When we say "get thee behind me" to distance ourselves from something undesirable or harmful, we are essentially doing it without the knowledge or involvement of that thing or person, just as when we do something "behind someone's back."
Similarly, "get thee behind me" can be related to the idiom "get someone's back up." This phrase means to irritate or provoke someone. When we use the idiom "get thee behind me" to reject or push away something, we are essentially avoiding or preventing that thing from potentially irritating or provoking us, just as when we say something that "gets someone's back up."
Despite its longevity and cultural significance, the idiom "get thee behind me" remains open to interpretation and adaptation. The phrase continues to evolve as it finds its way into modern contexts, reinforcing its relevance in today's language. It serves as a reminder of our ability to resist temptation, reject negativity, and stay focused on what truly matters. So, the next time you encounter an unwelcome influence, channel the strength of this idiom and confidently declare, "Get thee behind me!"
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get thee behind me" can be used in a sentence:
- When faced with temptation, she reminded herself to say "get thee behind me" to stay strong.
- He struggled with negative thoughts, but he knew he had to tell them to "get thee behind me" in order to move forward.
- The politician was advised to distance himself from controversial figures and to tell them to "get thee behind me" during the campaign.
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