month of Sundays: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom 'month of Sundays' is often used in American English to express a long period of time that feels exceptionally extended. It is typically used in a negative sense to convey that the time being referred to is undesirable, boring, or uneventful. While the exact origin and meaning of this idiom are uncertain, it is speculated that the phrase may have stemmed from the biblical reference to Sunday as a day of rest. Sundays were traditionally associated with relaxation and downtime, which may explain why a month of Sundays is perceived as a prolonged period devoid of activity or excitement.

It is interesting to note that the phrase 'month of Sundays' is not commonly used in religious or biblical contexts today. Instead, it has become a well-established idiomatic expression in everyday language, emphasizing the length of time one wishes to emphasize. This idiom is often used metaphorically to highlight an exceptionally long and uneventful period, and it is commonly employed in casual conversations.

Similar to the idiom 'month of Sundays,' there are two related idioms that convey the same sense of an extended period of time: 'from here to Sunday' and 'as the day is long.' Both idioms function as transitional phrases, but in accordance with AP style rules, we will remove the transitional phrases and get straight to the point when discussing these idioms.

The idiom 'from here to Sunday' is used to describe something that is exceedingly long or extensive. It emphasizes the vastness or duration of a particular situation. For example, one might say, "I have enough work to keep me busy from here to Sunday." In this context, the speaker is expressing that they have an overwhelming amount of work that will occupy them for a considerable amount of time.

On the other hand, the idiom 'as the day is long' is often used to describe a situation or a task that seems never-ending or is exceptionally tedious. It implies that the time being referred to feels incredibly extended or unending. For instance, someone might say, "This meeting is dragging on as the day is long." The speaker is expressing their frustration with a meeting that seems to be taking a substantial amount of time and feels tedious or unproductive.

Both of these related idioms, 'from here to Sunday' and 'as the day is long,' serve to emphasize the length or duration of a particular event, task, or situation. They reinforce the idea of an extended period of time, similar to the idiom 'month of Sundays.'

It is important to note that while these idioms convey a similar sense of extended time, they are distinct in their usage and connotations. 'From here to Sunday' emphasizes the vastness or longevity of a situation, while 'as the day is long' focuses on the tedious or seemingly unending nature of a task. The idiom 'month of Sundays' is more general, expressing a long period of time in a negative sense.

Overall, the idiom 'month of Sundays' is a widely recognized and frequently used phrase in American English. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its exact origin and meaning, it has become an established idiomatic expression that conveys a long and uneventful period of time. The association with Sundays and the biblical reference to the day of rest may contribute to its connotation of extended inactivity or boredom.

In addition, there are related idioms, such as 'from here to Sunday' and 'as the day is long,' which share the same idea of emphasizing a prolonged period of time. These idioms serve to highlight the length or duration of a situation, task, or event. While similar in their meaning, each idiom has its own usage and connotations. 'From here to Sunday' emphasizes the vastness or lengthiness of a situation, while 'as the day is long' emphasizes the tedious or seemingly endless nature of a task.

It is important to remember that idiomatic expressions, such as 'month of Sundays,' 'from here to Sunday,' and 'as the day is long,' add depth and color to the English language. They provide a way to convey specific meanings and nuances that may not be easily expressed through literal language. Understanding and utilizing idioms can enhance communication and convey a sense of cultural familiarity and fluency.