hear voices: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hear voices’ mean?
The idiom "hear voices" means to have a hallucination or experience an auditory hallucination, where a person hears sounds or voices that are not actually present. This can be a symptom of mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lend an ear" means to listen attentively or show interest in someone's problems or concerns.
It conveys the idea of offering support and being willing to give someone a listening ear.
It is often used to encourage empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships.
The phrase suggests the act of lending one's ear as a metaphorical loan or temporary offering of one's attention and understanding.
By using this idiom, people imply a willingness to be there for others and provide a safe space for them to express their thoughts and emotions.
The idiom "keep one's ears open" means to be attentive and listen carefully for information or opportunities.
The idiom "keep one's ears open" is a common phrase used in the English language. It is used to encourage someone to listen attentively and be receptive to information or advice. The idiom suggests that one should be aware of their surroundings and be open to new ideas or opportunities.
The idiom "in one's head" means to have a thought, idea, or plan solely within the mind without expressing or sharing it with others.
The idiom "I can't hear you over the sound of" is used to express that someone's voice is being drowned out or ignored because there is a louder noise or distraction present.
The idiom "hear through the grapevine" means to learn information indirectly or unofficially, usually through rumors or gossip.
The idiom "hear things" means to become aware of rumors or gossip that may or may not be true.
Hear things is a commonly used idiom in everyday American English. It is often used to express the idea of hearing information or rumors that may be questionable or unverified. The speaker has heard something, but they don't necessarily believe it to be true or reliable.
The idiom "hear the grass grow" means to have an exceptional ability to perceive or sense even the faintest or most subtle things, often used to describe someone with a keen sense of observation or intuition.
The idiom "hear out" means to listen to someone or something until the end, especially when one might have doubts or reservations. It emphasizes the importance of giving full attention and consideration to someone's ideas, opinions, or explanations.
"Have one's head read" means to have a mental evaluation or psychiatric assessment conducted.
Having one's head read is an expression that stems from palmistry, the practice of studying a person's hand to make predictions about their future or personality traits. Figuratively, it means understanding someone's thoughts or feelings without verbal communication or explicit cues.
The idiom "have a say" means to have the opportunity to express one's opinion and contribute to a decision-making process.
Decoding Whispers
The idiom "hear voices" is a common expression in English language that is used to describe the act of perceiving sounds or messages that are not actually there. It is often associated with mental illness or supernatural experiences. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where hearing voices was often interpreted as a form of divine communication or a sign of being possessed by spirits. However, in modern usage, the idiom has taken on a more figurative meaning, referring to the experience of having thoughts or ideas that seem to come from an external source.
One of the earliest recorded instances of "hearing voices" can be found in religious texts, such as the Bible. For example, in the Book of Genesis, there is a story of God speaking to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This biblical account has influenced the cultural perception of hearing voices as a divine or supernatural phenomenon.
In psychological literature, "hearing voices" is often associated with a condition called auditory hallucinations. This condition can be a symptom of various mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Auditory hallucinations can range from indistinct whispers to distinct voices with their own personalities. However, not all instances of "hearing voices" indicate mental illness.
The idiom "hear voices" has also been used in popular culture to describe the experience of receiving guidance or inspiration from an external source. This can include the influence of art, music, literature, or any other creative expression. In this context, "hearing voices" can be seen as a metaphor for tapping into creativity or intuition.
Furthermore, there are instances where "hearing voices" is used negatively, suggesting that the individual is being influenced or manipulated by external forces. This can be seen in expressions like "hearing the voices of doubt" or "being haunted by the voices of the past." In these cases, the idiom highlights the internal struggle of the individual, as they grapple with conflicting thoughts or emotions.
The idiom "hear things" is related to "hearing voices" and refers to perceiving vague or indistinct sounds or messages. It shares similarities with auditory hallucinations but generally has a less intense or vivid quality. It can also be used figuratively to mean being aware of something that may not be directly evident, such as sensing a change in the atmosphere or detecting subtle cues in a conversation.
The idiom "believe one's ears" is another related expression that refers to the experience of being amazed or surprised by what one hears. It conveys a sense of disbelief or astonishment, as if what is being heard is so extraordinary or unexpected that it is difficult to accept as true. This idiom emphasizes the impact that auditory perception can have on one's beliefs or understanding of a situation.
The idiom "hear the grass grow" is a less common expression that is often used to describe a heightened state of awareness or sensitivity. It suggests an ability to perceive or notice even the smallest or subtlest of details. This idiom highlights the potential for deep perception and attentiveness to one's surroundings, as if one can hear even the quietest sounds or perceive the most subtle changes in the environment.
The idiom "hear voices" has a rich history and encompasses a range of meanings, from religious and supernatural connotations to psychological and metaphorical interpretations. It captures the enigmatic nature of human perception and the complexities of our inner worlds. While it is commonly associated with mental illness, it is important to approach this idiom with sensitivity and avoid stigmatizing those who may have the experience of hearing voices. Ultimately, the idiom invites us to explore the depths of human consciousness and the myriad ways in which we make sense of the world around us.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hear voices" can be used in a sentence:
- She claims to hear voices that tell her what to do.
- Whenever he's alone, he says he starts hearing voices that scare him.
- The psychiatrist diagnosed him with schizophrenia because he reported hearing voices that no one else could hear.
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