roll in the aisles: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘roll in the aisles’ mean?
The idiom "roll in the aisles" means to laugh uproariously or uncontrollably, often to the point of physical movement or falling on the floor.
Idiom Explorer
"Run riot" is an idiom that means to behave in a wild or uncontrolled manner, often causing chaos or disorder.
The idiom "run amok" means to behave in a wild, uncontrollable or frenzied manner, often causing damage or harm.
The idiom "run about" means to move or travel quickly and randomly in different directions.
The idiom "roll the dice" means to take a risk or make a decision without knowing the outcome or consequences.
The idiom "roll one's eyes" refers to the action of moving one's eyes upward or to the side in a way that shows annoyance, disbelief, or disapproval towards something or someone.
The idiom "roll of the dice" means taking a chance or accepting a situation where the outcome is uncertain and unpredictable.
The idiom "roll off the tongue" means to be easily and smoothly spoken or articulated without any effort or hesitation.
The idiom "rolling in it" means to have an abundance of wealth or money.
FAIL
The idiom roll in the aisles has been a widely-used expression in the English language for many years. It is commonly used to describe an uncontrollable fit of laughter in response to something humorous. While the exact origins of this idiom are unknown, it is believed to have originated from the idea of laughter being so intense and prolonged that one rolls on the floor laughing, particularly in a theater setting. The word "aisles" refers to the pathways between rows of seats in a theater, further supporting this theory. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this explanation, and it remains largely speculative. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, roll in the aisles has become ingrained in the English language and is frequently used in colloquial language and popular culture.
Roll in the aisles is often used to describe a situation or joke that is incredibly funny and evokes uncontrollable laughter. The image of rolling on the floor laughing emphasizes the intensity of the laughter and the genuine enjoyment derived from the humorous experience. This idiom has successfully made its way into the lexicon of the English language, perpetuating a sense of shared experience and amusement. It is commonly used in conversations, literature, films, and other forms of media.
While the exact etymology of roll in the aisles may remain a mystery, its meaning and usage in modern English are well-established. This idiom provides a vivid and memorable description of the intensity and joy that can be induced by laughter. In fact, it can be related to other idioms that also encompass the idea of uncontrollable laughter.
One such idiom is fall around, which is used to describe a situation in which someone laughs so much that they fall to the ground. This idiom metaphorically captures the physicality and intensity of the laughter, similar to roll in the aisles. Both idioms paint a vivid picture of the hilarity and uncontrollable nature of the laughter.
In addition, roll in the aisles can be related to the idiom roll one's eyes. While roll one's eyes has a slightly different meaning, it shares a common element with roll in the aisles - the physical action of rolling. When someone rolls their eyes, it signifies a dismissive or sarcastic reaction, often in response to something ridiculous or absurd. Although the intensity and nature of the laughter differ, both idioms involve a physical rolling motion.
Another idiom related to roll in the aisles is burst out laughing. This idiom is used to describe a sudden and explosive outburst of laughter. Just like roll in the aisles, burst out laughing conveys a sense of intense and uncontrollable amusement. Both idioms highlight the joy and release that laughter can bring, albeit in different ways.
Roll in the aisles is an idiom that captures the essence of uncontrollable laughter. While its exact origins remain uncertain, its meaning and usage in modern English are well-established. This idiom has become a popular expression that is used to describe situations or jokes that evoke intense and prolonged laughter. It can be related to idioms such as fall around, roll one's eyes, and burst out laughing, all of which encompass the idea of intense and uncontrollable amusement. As idioms continue to shape the way we communicate, the ongoing intrigue surrounding their etymology adds to the richness and complexity of the English language.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "roll in the aisles" can be used in a sentence:
- During the comedian's performance, the whole audience was rolling in the aisles with laughter.
- The hilarious movie had the viewers rolling in the aisles from start to finish.
- When the prankster slipped on a banana peel, everyone around burst into laughter and began rolling in the aisles.
The usage of "roll in the aisles" in these sentences indicates extreme amusement or laughter. It is often used to describe situations or events that are incredibly funny and cause uncontrollable laughter. This idiom metaphorically suggests the idea of people laughing so intensely that they might roll on the floor, as if they were rolling in the aisles of a theater or auditorium. It emphasizes the humorous and entertaining nature of the situation or performance being described.
More "Humor" idioms
