hate someone’s guts: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hate someone's guts’ mean?
The idiom "hate someone's guts" means to have a strong and intense dislike or hatred towards someone, often based on negative feelings towards their character or actions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jump down someone's throat" means to angrily and aggressively criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done.
The idiom "hold a grudge" means to harbor and maintain a deep-seated feeling of resentment or anger towards someone for a past wrong or offense.
The idiom "have the hots for" means to have strong romantic or sexual feelings towards someone. It suggests a strong attraction or desire for that person, often accompanied by a sense of infatuation.
The idiom "have someone's hide" means to punish or criticize someone severely. It expresses the idea of figuratively taking away or damaging someone's skin, as a form of retribution or discipline.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" means to be extremely angry with someone and to be prepared to punish or harm them severely.
An idiom meaning someone has an extremely unattractive or unpleasant face, often used to give a brutally honest description of someone's appearance.
The idiom "gut-wrenched" refers to a feeling of intense emotional distress or anguish that impacts one's core being. It conveys a sense of profound discomfort that can leave a person emotionally drained or physically affected.
The idiom "gutless wonder" refers to a person who lacks courage or determination in a particular situation. It implies that the person has no guts or bravery to take action or make tough decisions.
The idiom "gut feeling" refers to a strong intuition or instinctual feeling about something, often without any logical or rational explanation. It is a deep-seated belief or impression that comes from one's gut, or innermost being.
The Fiery Contempt
The idiom "hate someone's guts" is a common phrase in the English language that is used to express an intense dislike or hatred for someone.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is rooted in the belief that the liver and intestines were the seat of anger and other intense emotions in ancient Greek and Roman medicine. This belief might have contributed to the concept of "guts" symbolizing hatred and a deep aversion towards someone.
Another theory suggests that the idiom might have originated from the phrase "spill one's guts," which means to reveal everything or confess. Over time, this expression could have evolved to imply a strong dislike, as if one were metaphorically spilling their internal organs out of sheer revulsion.
Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "hate someone's guts" is widely accepted and understood in contemporary English. It is used to emphasize the intensity of the aversion or hatred towards a person or their actions.
It is worth noting that the idiom is a vivid and somewhat graphic way to express dislike or hatred. The use of "guts" adds a visceral quality to the sentiment, conveying a deep-seated and strong negative emotion towards the subject of the idiom.
While the idiom is common and frequently used, its figurative nature might sometimes lead to misunderstandings or confusion, particularly among non-native speakers of English. The phrase should be understood and interpreted in its idiomatic sense, rather than a literal one.
Another related idiom is "have someone's guts for garters." This phrase is used to express a strong desire for revenge or a violent reaction towards someone. The use of "guts for garters" adds a metaphorical element, suggesting a brutal and ruthless response to the person or their actions.
The phrase "blood and guts" is also related to the idiom "hate someone's guts." It is used to describe something that is intense, violent, or brutal. The use of "blood and guts" brings to mind graphic and gory imagery, further emphasizing the intensity of emotions or actions.
Overall, the idiom "hate someone's guts" is widely used in the English language to express a strong dislike or hatred for someone. Its origin can be traced back to the 19th century, although the exact source remains uncertain. The idiom's figurative nature and association with the digestive system may contribute to its expressive power. Its usage is not restricted to a specific geographical area or social group, and it continues to be used in informal settings to convey an intense aversion towards individuals or their actions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hate someone's guts" can be used in a sentence:
- I can't stand her, I hate her guts!
- After what he did to me, I truly hate his guts.
- My sister and I have never gotten along, we hate each other's guts.
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