prevail upon: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘prevail upon’ mean?
When someone prevails upon another, they successfully persuade or convince them to do something, often through persistent effort or pleading.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "win over" means to gain someone's support, approval, or affection by persuading them or gradually convincing them of one's worth or capabilities.
An idiom meaning to persuade someone to buy something they already have in abundance or do not need, often highlighting the salesperson's exceptional persuasive skills.
The idiom "press on" means to continue or persevere, despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies determination and the refusal to give up. It can be used to encourage someone to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
The idiom "preach to the choir" means to try to convince someone who already agrees with you or is already knowledgeable about a particular topic. It implies that the person you are talking to does not need to be convinced or further educated on the matter.
The idiom "preach to deaf ears" means to give advice or make a speech to someone who is not listening or not receptive to the message.
The idiom "powers that be" refers to the influential individuals or groups who hold authority or control over a particular situation or organization.
The idiom "power of the purse" refers to the ability to control or influence decisions by controlling the money or financial resources. It implies that those who control the finances hold significant power and can shape outcomes.
The idiom "power-hungry" refers to a person who is excessively eager or desperate to gain or maintain power. They are driven by a strong desire for control or authority and may use unethical or manipulative means to achieve their goals.
The idiom "power behind the throne" refers to a person who holds significant influence and control over a situation or an organization without having an official title or position of authority. This individual often pulls the strings and makes key decisions behind the scenes, while someone else holds the visible position of power.
The idiom "pour oil on troubled waters" means to do or say something to calm a difficult or tense situation.
Unveiling the Linguistic Enigma
The idiom "prevail upon" is a widely used phrase in the English language. It is a verb phrase that consists of the words "prevail" and "upon." "Prevail" comes from the Latin word "prēvālēre," which means "to have strength" or "to prevail." "Upon" is an Old English word that indicates a point of contact or influence. When combined, the idiom "prevail upon" conveys the action of exerting influence or persuasion upon someone.
The meaning of the idiom can be understood by looking at its components. "Prevail" means overcoming or succeeding in a situation or argument, while "upon" suggests a target or recipient. Therefore, "prevail upon" implies the act of effectively convincing or persuading someone, usually through persistent effort or reasoning. It refers to the exertion of influence on another person to agree, comply, or grant a request.
The idiom is commonly used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business negotiations, or seeking assistance. It reflects the idea of persuading or swaying a hesitant individual through persistence, logic, or compelling arguments. The phrase often implies a certain level of resistance or initial reluctance on the part of the person being prevailed upon, highlighting the effort required to change their viewpoint or gain their cooperation.
One related idiom is "win over." This phrase means to convince someone to change their opinion or allegiance. When someone is prevailed upon, they are won over by the convincing arguments or efforts of another person. For example, a skilled salesperson may be able to win over a potential customer by addressing their concerns and providing compelling reasons to make a purchase.
The idiom "bend someone's will" is also related to "prevail upon." To bend someone's will means to exert influence or persuasion to make someone do what you want. When someone is prevailed upon, their will is effectively bent by the arguments, reasoning, or persistence of another person. In this sense, prevailing upon someone involves bending their will to agree or comply with a request.
Another related idiom is "change someone's mind." This phrase means to persuade or influence someone to alter their opinion or viewpoint. When someone is prevailed upon, their mind is effectively changed by the compelling arguments or persuasion of another person. Prevailing upon someone often involves the act of changing their mind or convincing them to see things differently.
Finally, the idiom "sell ice to Eskimos" is also related to "prevail upon." This phrase is used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled at convincing others to buy something that they do not need or already have. When someone is prevailed upon, they are essentially being sold something by the persuasion or influence of another person. Prevailing upon someone may involve the act of selling them an idea or convincing them to take a certain course of action.
The idiom "prevail upon" signifies the act of persuading or influencing someone through persistent effort or compelling arguments. It can be traced back to its Latin and Old English origins, reflecting the evolution of the English language. The usage of this idiom spans various contexts and can also be employed metaphorically. It encapsulates the complexities of human interaction, highlighting the power of persuasion and our constant pursuit of influence in different aspects of life.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "prevail upon" can be used in a sentence:
1. She managed to prevail upon her parents to let her go on the trip.
2. The team captain was able to prevail upon the coach to change the strategy.
3. Despite the challenges, the student was determined to prevail upon the professor to give him an extension on the assignment.
More "Persuasion" idioms
