move mountains: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘move mountains’ mean?
The idiom "move mountains" means to do something extremely difficult or achieve the impossible, often in the face of great obstacles or challenges.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "uphill battle" means facing a difficult task or challenge that requires great effort and perseverance to overcome. It implies that progress and success will be hard to achieve due to the opposing forces or obstacles involved.
The idiom "run into a brick wall" means to encounter an obstacle or difficulty that is impossible to overcome or make progress with.
The idiom "rise to the occasion" means to perform exceptionally well or exceed expectations when faced with a challenge or difficult situation.
The idiom "rise to the challenge" means to confront and overcome a difficult situation or task with determination, resilience, and success.
The idiom "ride out" means to endure or survive a difficult situation or problem without giving up or being greatly affected by it.
The idiom "reach for the sky" means to have high aspirations or set ambitious goals. It encourages individuals to aim for their full potential and to strive for success beyond what may seem attainable.
The idiom "put the moves on" means to make romantic or sexual advances towards someone.
The idiom *put one's shoulder into* means to make a significant effort or commitment towards achieving something. It conveys the idea of using physical force to accomplish a task or overcoming a challenge with determination and dedication.
The idiom "put one's back into" means to exert a lot of physical effort or work very hard to achieve a task or goal.
The idiom "put one foot in front of the other" means to continue moving forward, especially in the face of challenges or difficult circumstances, by taking one step at a time.
Hidden Power
The idiom "move mountains" has its origin in religious texts and has been used in various contexts throughout history. It signifies achieving a difficult task or overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. One of the earliest known instances of the phrase comes from the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. Jesus tells his disciples that if they have faith as small as a mustard seed, they can say to a mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. This serves as the foundation for the metaphorical use of the phrase today.
In English-speaking countries, the idiom "move mountains" is commonly used and has been documented in literature and other forms of media. It is often used to describe individuals or groups who display exceptional determination and perseverance in achieving their goals. The phrase emphasizes the immense difficulty of the task at hand.
The metaphorical meaning of "move mountains" is deeply ingrained in the English language and is frequently used in formal and informal contexts. It has been employed in fields like politics, business, sports, and personal development to highlight the idea of surpassing obstacles and accomplishing extraordinary feats.
The phrase "move mountains" suggests grandiosity and ambition. It symbolizes the willingness to go to great lengths and undertake arduous efforts to achieve a desired outcome. Individuals who face significant challenges or seemingly insurmountable barriers often resonate with this idiom.
The significance of the idiom lies in its universality. The idea of moving mountains transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it a widely understood and relatable metaphor worldwide.
Although the idiom "move mountains" has a well-established and commonly accepted meaning, its interpretation can vary based on personal experiences and cultural background. It evokes a spirit of determination, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible with sufficient effort and resolve.
Like many idioms, the meaning of "move mountains" is not fixed and can continue to evolve over time. It remains a powerful expression that captures the essence of human ambition and resilience in the face of adversity, providing enduring inspiration and motivation.
The related idiom "move heaven and earth" is used to describe an individual's or a group's unwavering dedication and commitment to accomplishing a goal. It signifies going to extreme lengths and making every possible effort to achieve the desired outcome. This idiom shares a similar message with "move mountains" in terms of overcoming challenges and achieving extraordinary feats.
Another related idiom, "have a mountain to climb," is used to express the idea of facing a daunting or extremely challenging task. It conveys the sense that the task at hand is figuratively comparable to climbing a mountain, demanding great effort and perseverance. This idiom complements the concept of "move mountains" by emphasizing the difficulty of the task rather than the determination to overcome it.
When it comes to idioms, they serve as powerful tools for expressing complex ideas with simplicity and imagery. "Move mountains," "move heaven and earth," and "have a mountain to climb" are idioms that convey the challenges, dedication, and immense effort involved in achieving success and overcoming obstacles. They inspire individuals to push their limits and believe in their ability to surmount any difficulty on their path toward achieving their goals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *move mountains* can be used in a sentence:
- She was determined to move mountains to make her dream of becoming a doctor come true.
- The dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to move mountains and provide aid to the earthquake victims.
- Despite facing numerous obstacles, their unwavering determination allowed them to move mountains and achieve their goal.
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