in the hospital: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the hospital’ mean?
The idiom "in the hospital" means that someone is currently receiving medical care in a healthcare facility due to an illness or injury.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "out sick" means that someone is absent from work or school due to being ill.
The idiom "in the hole" means to be in debt or in a difficult financial situation. It is often used to describe a person or a company that owes money and is struggling to repay it.
The idiom "in the here and now" means focusing on the present moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
The idiom "in the game" means actively participating or being involved in a particular activity or situation.
The idiom *in the drink* means to be in a difficult or unpleasant situation, often caused by one's own actions or decisions. It originates from the idea of someone falling into water or a drink, representing a sudden and unexpected mishap or trouble.
The idiom "in the dock" means to be on trial or facing judgment in a court of law. It is commonly used to describe someone who is accused of a crime or wrongdoing and has to defend themselves in a legal setting.
The idiom "in the business of" means actively engaged or involved in a particular activity or profession.
The idiom "in shape" means to be physically fit and healthy, often referring to a person's overall physical condition and well-being.
The idiom "in bed" is used to describe being in a state of involvement or deep understanding of a particular subject or activity.
The idiom "in a state" means to be in a state of distress, anxiety or confusion.
Unraveling Medical Metaphors
The idiom "in the hospital" is a commonly used expression in American English. It refers to a person being admitted and staying in a medical facility for treatment and care.
This idiom is derived from the literal meaning of "hospital," which is a place where individuals receive medical treatment. When someone says that they are "in the hospital," it implies that they have been admitted to the medical facility and are likely receiving various medical treatments such as surgery, medication, or therapy.
The idiom "in the hospital" can be used to convey a range of meanings. It can indicate a person's physical condition, the severity of an illness or injury, or the need for medical intervention.
The idiom can be used in both casual and formal conversations, as well as in written English. It is widely understood and recognized by native English speakers.
When someone uses the idiom "in the hospital," it often indicates that the person is facing a health issue or is caring for someone who is. It can elicit empathy and concern from others.
The idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or organization that is in a state of disarray or dysfunction. However, this usage is less common compared to its literal meaning.
It is important to note that the idiom "in the hospital" does not specify the specific reason for being in the hospital, nor does it provide any details about the length of stay or prognosis.
One related idiom is "out sick." This idiom is used when someone is not able to fulfill their duties or attend an event due to illness. When someone is "out sick," it means that they are unable to perform their usual activities or be present due to their health condition. It is often used in work or school contexts to explain an absence.
Another related idiom is "get well." This idiom is used to express wishes for someone's recovery and good health. When someone tells another person to "get well," it is a way of offering support and well-wishes during a time of illness or injury. It conveys the hope that the person will recover and regain their health soon.
The idiom "in the hospital" signifies a person's admission to a medical facility for treatment. Its usage reflects the significance of health and well-being in society. This idiom captures the shared experiences and emotions often associated with medical care, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities and challenges that individuals may face when they find themselves "in the hospital."
Example usage
Examples of the idiom "in the hospital" being used in a sentence are:
- She fell and broke her arm, so she had to go in the hospital for surgery.
- He was in the hospital for several weeks after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
- My sister is currently in the hospital after being involved in a car accident.
More "Medical" idioms
