here’s to: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘here's to’ mean?
The idiom here's to is used to propose a toast or express goodwill towards someone or something. It is often used before raising a glass to celebrate or honor someone or to express good wishes for success or happiness.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knock on wood" is used when someone wants to express a hope or wish that something continues to be good or successful in the future.
The idiom "kind regards" is commonly used to express warm or friendly feelings towards someone, typically at the end of a written communication.
The idiom "kindest regards" is a common phrase used to express sincere goodwill or warm wishes when ending a written or spoken communication.
The idiom "keep one's fingers crossed" means to hope for good luck or success. It is often used when someone is wishing for a positive outcome or outcome of an event.
The idiom "I wish" is used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible to happen in reality. It enables people to communicate their hopes or dreams, often highlighting a contrast between what is desired and what is actually true.
The idiom "here you go" is used when giving something to someone. It implies a gesture of offering or presenting an item or information to another person.
The idiom "here you are" is used to hand something over to someone or to guide someone to a specific location.
"Here we go" is an idiom used to convey the beginning of an event or situation, often with a sense of anticipation or resignation. It suggests that something is about to happen, and the speaker is ready to face it, whether it is a positive or negative experience.
The idiom "here goes nothing" is used when someone is about to attempt something with little expectation of success. It conveys a sense of uncertainty or resignation about the outcome of the action.
The idiom "have someone on toast" means to have someone in a vulnerable or powerless position, typically in a confrontational or competitive situation.
Tributes to Celebrations
The idiom "here's to" is commonly used in English to express a toast or a wish for success or good fortune. It is often followed by a noun or a pronoun representing the subject of the toast, such as "here you go" or "here you are."
The phrase "here's to" comes from the Old English word "her" which means "in this place" or "at this time." While "here" typically refers to a physical location, in the context of this idiom, it is used figuratively to represent the present moment or the circumstances being celebrated.
The origin of the idiom "here's to" can be traced back to the 18th century when it was commonly used as a way to raise a glass and make a toast. Toasting has been a social tradition throughout history, and the phrase "here's to" serves as an introduction to the actual toast, expressing good wishes and intentions.
"Here's to" can be used in various situations, including celebrations, special events, or even casual gatherings among friends. It is often accompanied by a physical raising of a glass or a drink, symbolizing the shared experience and camaraderie among the participants.
This versatile idiom allows individuals to express a wide range of sentiments, from simple well-wishes to deeper expressions of gratitude or admiration. It is often combined with other idiomatic expressions, such as "here's to a bright future" or "here's to many more years of success."
In addition to the idiom "here's to," there are related idioms that share a similar meaning and usage. One such idiom is "here you go." This phrase is used when giving something to someone or presenting them with an item. It can be used in a variety of situations, from handing someone an object to offering them a service or assistance.
Another related idiom is "here you are." Similar to "here you go," this phrase is used to give or present something to someone, usually in response to a request or need. It can also be used to acknowledge someone's presence or arrival.
Both "here you go" and "here you are" share a similar structure and purpose with the idiom "here's to." They all involve a sense of giving or presenting something to someone, whether it be good wishes, a physical object, or acknowledgment of their presence.
The idiom "here's to" serves as a linguistic tool for expressing good wishes and celebrating special moments. With its origins in Old English, it continues to be a popular phrase used in English-speaking societies today. Whether raising a glass in a formal toast or simply expressing a sentiment of goodwill, "here's to" allows individuals to convey their appreciation and connection to a shared experience.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom here's to can be used in a sentence:
1. Here's to our new adventure!
2. Here's to a successful partnership.
3. Here's to good health and happiness!
More "Toasts" idioms
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