nine-day wonder: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘nine-day wonder’ mean?
A "nine-day wonder" is an idiom that refers to something or someone that enjoys a brief period of popularity or attention before quickly fading away or being forgotten.
Idiom Explorer
A small wonder refers to something that is not surprising or remarkable due to its size, importance, or significance.
The idiom "seize the day" means to take advantage of the present moment and make the most of opportunities before they pass. It encourages living life to the fullest and not wasting time or delaying actions or decisions.
The idiom "see you next Tuesday" is a euphemistic phrase commonly used to discreetly refer to someone as a derogatory term. It is a playful way of indirectly expressing frustration or annoyance towards someone without using explicit language.
The idiom "see you later" is an informal way of saying goodbye or farewell to someone with the intention to meet again in the near future.
The idiom "see the light of day" means to be revealed or brought to attention after being hidden or kept secret for a period of time.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
When someone "saves the day," they act heroically or ingeniously to resolve a difficult situation or prevent a disaster.
An idiom often used to describe a person who is disliked or considered bad, with negative qualities or behavior.
One of the most popular idioms in English is "rotten egg." This phrase describes a person who is considered bad or unpleasant. The idiom originated in the early 19th century and is still commonly used today.
An idiom used to describe someone or something that is highly unusual or unique; as rare as a rare animal.
The idiom "pull a rabbit out of a hat" means to do something unexpected or impossible, often used to describe performing a remarkable feat or finding a surprising solution to a problem.
Enigmatic Resilience
The idiom "nine-day wonder" has a long history and a variety of interpretations. It originated in England in the 16th century, used to describe something that attracted a great deal of attention for a brief period of time. The reason behind the use of the number "nine" is unclear, but it may be related to the superstition that shorter-lived events or objects were less likely to have a lasting impact.
Today, "nine-day wonder" is commonly used to describe something or someone that is temporarily popular or widely talked about, but quickly fades into obscurity. This can be seen in viral internet trends or short-lived celebrity scandals. It's like being a "one-hit wonder" in the music industry, where a musician or band achieves great success with one song but fails to produce any other notable hits.
Another related idiom is "15 minutes of fame," which comes from Andy Warhol's famous quote that "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." This phrase refers to the transient nature of celebrity or public attention, suggesting that fame is often short-lived and fleeting.
While "nine-day wonder" can be used in a slightly derogatory manner, suggesting that the attention given to a subject is undeserved or disproportionate to its actual importance, "15 minutes of fame" carries a similar connotation. It implies that the fame or attention someone receives is brief and often disproportionate to their talent or accomplishments.
There are still uncertainties surrounding the phrase "nine-day wonder." For example, it is unclear how and when the idiom made its way to the United States, although it is commonly used in American English today. Additionally, the specific reason why the number "nine" was chosen remains a mystery, as there are no definitive historical or cultural references to explain its significance.
Despite these uncertainties, "nine-day wonder" continues to be used in various contexts and remains a common phrase in the English language. Its longevity and adaptability demonstrate its power to capture the fleeting and temporary nature of fame or public interest, much like a "one-hit wonder" in the music industry or someone's "15 minutes of fame."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "nine-day wonder" can be used in a sentence include:
- He was a celebrity for a brief moment, but soon became a nine-day wonder.
- The team's unexpected win was a nine-day wonder, soon forgotten by the fans.
- Her flashy car was just a nine-day wonder, as she quickly lost interest in it.
More "Obscurity" idioms
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