reckon without one’s host: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘reckon without one's host’ mean?
The idiom "reckon without one's host" means to make assumptions or plans without considering or consulting the person or people who would be directly affected or involved.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "reckon without one's host" is an interesting phrase that carries a specific meaning. Here are the facts about this idiom:
1. The idiom "reckon without one's host" is a variant of the more commonly known idiom "reckon without one's host and reckon wrongly."
2. It originates from the 19th-century western slang used by cowboys and pioneers.
3. The idiom suggests making assumptions or predictions without considering all the necessary information.
4. It implies overconfidence or arrogance in making a judgment or calculation.
5. The term "host" in this idiom refers to a vital source of support or information that is unknowingly disregarded.
6. This idiom is closely related to the saying "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," which warns against prematurely assuming the outcome of something.
7. "Reckon" in this context means to calculate or consider something.
8. The phrase has fallen out of common usage but can still be encountered in literary or historical contexts.
Based on these facts, a logical structure for the analysis of this idiom could be:
Paragraph 1: Introduce the idiom "reckon without one's host" and its 19th-century origin in western slang.
Paragraph 2: Explain the meaning of the idiom, emphasizing making assumptions or predictions without considering all necessary information.
Paragraph 3: Highlight the implication of overconfidence or arrogance in making a judgment or calculation.
Paragraph 4: Explore the significance of the term "host" in this idiom, referring to a vital source of support or information that is disregarded.
Paragraph 5: Connect this idiom to the saying "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" as a related cautionary phrase.
Paragraph 6: Discuss the decline in usage of the idiom but note its occasional presence in literary or historical contexts.
This analysis delves into the idiom "reckon without one's host" and provides a thorough understanding of its meaning and origins. It explores the connection to other idioms and establishes the context in which it can be encountered. While this idiom may not be in widespread use today, it remains an intriguing and colorful linguistic relic of the past.
The idiom "reckon without one's host" is closely related to the idioms "go without," "go without saying," "if I'm not there, start without me," "ride roughshod over," and "pull out of one's arse." These idioms share a common theme of disregarding or ignoring something important or essential.
"Go without" means to lack something that is normally expected or needed. It suggests a sense of deprivation or going without something that is considered necessary or desirable.
"Go without saying" means that something is so obvious or self-evident that it doesn't need to be stated explicitly. It implies that the information or fact is universally understood and accepted.
"If I'm not there, start without me" is a phrase used to give permission for an activity or event to begin even if the person who said the phrase is not present. It indicates that the person's presence is not essential for the start of the activity.
"Ride roughshod over" means to act with disregard for the rights or concerns of others. It suggests a dominating or oppressive behavior where one person or group imposes their will without considering the impact on others.
"Pull out of one's arse" is a vulgar expression that means to make something up or invent it without any basis or evidence. It implies that the information or statement is completely fabricated or false.
These idioms provide additional context and perspective to the idiom "reckon without one's host" and highlight the importance of considering all relevant information and not disregarding essential elements.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "reckon without one's host" can be used in a sentence:
- He thought his team would win easily, but he reckoned without his opponent's determination.
- The company calculated the budget without taking into account unexpected expenses, reckoning without their host.
- She assumed she could finish the project in a day, but she reckoned without the numerous obstacles she would encounter.
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