gone with the wind: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘gone with the wind’ mean?
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "vanish into thin air" means to completely disappear or vanish without a trace, as if one has evaporated into nothingness.
The idiom "into thin air" means to disappear or vanish suddenly and completely, without leaving any traces or evidence behind.
The idiom "in the wind" means to feel or sense that something is about to happen or change, often referring to a situation that is not yet fully known or understood.
The idiom "go nowhere" means to make no progress or to have no effect. It can be used to describe a situation, a plan, or a person's actions that are unproductive or leading to no meaningful outcome.
The idiom "gone north" is typically used to describe a situation or a person that has disappeared or vanished, often without a trace. It implies that the person or thing has gone in an unknown or unexpected direction, similar to heading north and disappearing from sight.
An idiom used to describe someone leaving or departing. It implies a physical or metaphorical departure from a place or situation.
The idiom "go fly a kite" is an informal way of telling someone to go away or to leave you alone, often used when you are annoyed or frustrated with them.
The idiom "go by the wayside" means to be forgotten or abandoned, usually due to a lack of attention or interest.
The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.
Untamed Passion
One of the most iconic idioms in the English language is "gone with the wind." The origin of this idiomatic expression can be traced back to Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, "Gone with the Wind," which was later adapted into a highly successful film in 1939.
The literal meaning of the phrase "gone with the wind" refers to something that is quickly and unpredictably swept away by the wind, making it impossible to retrieve or hold onto. In the context of the novel and subsequent film, it symbolizes the destruction and loss experienced during the American Civil War and its aftermath.
The story revolves around Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong and determined Southern belle who undergoes personal hardships and devastating losses as the war unfolds. The phrase "gone with the wind" serves as a metaphor for the irreversible changes brought about by the war, including the destruction of the Old South and the collapse of the Southern plantation economy.
The phrase "gone with the wind" has since transcended its original literary and cinematic origins and has become an idiomatic expression used to describe a wide range of situations. It is often employed to convey a sense of fleeting nature, emphasizing the impermanence of experiences, emotions, or possessions.
The idiom can also be used to express the idea of something being forgotten or abandoned, as if carried away by a strong gust of wind. It has become a versatile idiom that can be adapted and applied to various contexts and situations.
Furthermore, the popularity and widespread usage of this idiom can be attributed to the enduring success of Mitchell's novel and the film adaptation. "Gone with the Wind" remains one of the best-selling novels of all time, having sold millions of copies worldwide.
The film, directed by Victor Fleming and starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, won eight Academy Awards and continues to be regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.
The cultural impact of "Gone with the Wind" has solidified the idiom "gone with the wind" as a prominent and recognizable phrase in the English language.
The idiom "gone with the wind" has its roots in Margaret Mitchell's novel and subsequent film adaptation. It has evolved to encapsulate the idea of loss, disappearance, and irretrievability in a variety of contexts.
It can be used to describe something that seems to "vanish into thin air," disappearing quickly and without a trace.
Similarly, the idiom can evoke the notion of something being "in the wind," suggesting a sense of uncertainty or anticipation.
In addition, "gone with the wind" can also imply something that has "dried up and blown away," as if it has become insubstantial or irrelevant over time.
Lastly, the idiom can be applied to situations that are subject to change or unpredictability, "as the wind blows."
Regardless of its specific usage, the idiom "gone with the wind" remains a powerful and evocative phrase that conveys a sense of loss, disappearance, and impermanence.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *gone with the wind* can be used in a sentence:
- After the hurricane hit, the entire neighborhood was gone with the wind.
- Despite their promises, all of his dreams and ambitions seemed to have gone with the wind.
- She spent months planning the event, but in the end, all her hard work went gone with the wind when it was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
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