in living memory: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in living memory’ mean?
The idiom "in living memory" refers to something that has happened or existed within the lifetime of people who are still alive. It signifies a relatively recent event or occurrence that can be remembered by those who have experienced it firsthand.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "within living memory" means a period of time that is still remembered or experienced by people who are still alive.
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 "in one's dreams" means that something is unlikely or impossible to happen. It is often used to dismiss someone's unrealistic or fanciful ideas.
The idiom "in no time" means very quickly or without delay, suggesting that something will be completed or happen in a short period of time.
The idiom "in focus" means to have clarity or clear understanding of a situation or topic. It refers to being attentive, concentrated and having a sharp mental focus on a specific subject.
The idiom "in and out" refers to something that is done quickly or briefly. It implies a swift or short-lived action or presence.
The idiom "in all one's born days" expresses the idea of someone's entire lifetime or existence. It emphasizes the length of time a person has lived and implies surprise or disbelief at a particular event or experience.
The idiom "in a flash" means doing something very quickly or almost instantly.
The idiom "here to stay" means that something or someone has become permanent and is not going away or disappearing anytime soon.
The idiom "have seen one's day" means that something or someone used to be great or important in the past, but is no longer relevant or valuable in the present.
Unveiling Forgotten Tales
The idiom "within living memory" is another English idiomatic expression that is related to the phrase "in living memory." Similar to its counterpart, "within living memory" conveys that something has occurred or existed within a person's lifetime or a recent period of time that can be remembered or recalled by individuals currently living.
The difference between the two idioms lies in the word "within." While "in living memory" emphasizes the connection between the memory or recollection and the time it occurred, "within living memory" suggests that the event or occurrence falls within a specific range or timeframe of someone's lifetime. It implies that the event is even more recent or closer in proximity to the present moment.
For example, when discussing technological advancements, one might say, "The introduction of smartphones is a development that is within living memory for most people alive today." In this context, the idiom emphasizes that the widespread use of smartphones is a relatively recent phenomenon that individuals can vividly recall as part of their personal experiences.
Similarly, "in all one's born days" is yet another idiom that shares a connection with "in living memory." This idiom is used to emphasize the length of someone's life and the span of their personal experiences. It suggests that something has occurred or existed throughout the entirety of an individual's lifetime.
When using this idiom, one might say, "I have never seen such a beautiful sunrise in all my born days." In this sentence, the idiom underscores that the person has never witnessed a sunrise as breathtaking as the one they are currently experiencing in their entire life.
The idiom "flash back" is also relevant to the concept of remembering or recalling events within one's lifetime. Although it is not directly connected to the phrase "in living memory," it shares a common theme of reminiscence and retrospection.
When someone experiences a "flash back," they suddenly and vividly remember a past event as if they are reliving it in their mind. These fragmented moments from the past can be triggered by various stimuli, such as a familiar scent, a certain song, or a specific location. They often resurface unexpectedly, transporting an individual back in time and evoking powerful emotions associated with the original event.
For instance, if someone smells a particular perfume that instantly reminds them of their grandmother's house, they might say, "I had a flash back to my childhood when I caught a whiff of that perfume." In this case, the idiom demonstrates how the memory of visiting their grandparent's house surged back into their consciousness, momentarily transporting them back in time.
The idioms "within living memory", "in all one's born days", and "flash back" all revolve around the theme of remembering or recalling events within one's lifetime. While "within living memory" signifies that something has occurred within a recent timeframe, "in all one's born days" emphasizes the entirety of an individual's life, and "flash back" describes the sudden and vivid recollection of a past event. These idioms provide depth and nuance to our expressions, allowing us to convey the significance, proximity, and personal experience associated with different events and occurrences in a concise and evocative manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "in living memory" can be used in a sentence:
- It was the worst flood in living memory.
- That was the biggest victory our team has had in living memory.
- The pandemic has caused the greatest economic downturn in living memory.
The idiom "in living memory" is used to emphasize that something is the most significant or extreme event or situation that has occurred within the lifetime of the person speaking or within a specific community. It signifies a memorable event or occurrence that has taken place recently, as opposed to being in the distant past.
More "History" idioms
