save: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘save’ mean?
An idiom is a phrase that does not have a literal meaning. The idiom "save" means to keep money or resources for future use, or to rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "save the furniture" means to prevent a potentially disastrous situation from becoming worse or to salvage something valuable from a negative situation.
The idiom "save someone's skin" means to rescue or protect someone from danger or harm.
The idiom "save someone's face" means to protect someone's reputation or dignity by preventing them from feeling embarrassment or humiliation.
The idiom "save one's breath" means to not waste one's time and effort in trying to convince or persuade someone who is unlikely to change their opinion or beliefs.
"Save it" is an idiom that means to stop talking or expressing an opinion, usually because the speaker's point is not wanted or considered relevant by the listener.
The idiom "saved by the bell" means being rescued or helped at the last moment, usually from a difficult or dangerous situation.
The idiom "save by the bell" means to be rescued or spared from a difficult or dangerous situation at the last possible moment.
The idiom "salt away" means to save or keep something, especially money, for future use or for a specific purpose.
The idiom "rainy day" refers to a time in the future when one may need extra money or resources. It signifies the importance of saving for unexpected circumstances or emergencies.
FAIL
The idiom "save something for a rainy day" is closely related to the verb form of "save." It means to set aside or preserve something, such as money or resources, for use in the future when they are needed. This idiom emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and being prepared for unexpected or challenging circumstances. By saving something for a rainy day, individuals can ensure that they have a financial or resourceful safety net to fall back on when needed.
Another related idiom is "salt away," which also conveys the idea of setting something aside or preserving it for future use. However, "salt away" specifically emphasizes the act of keeping something secure and protected, just like salt was historically used as a preservative for food. This idiom suggests the importance of safeguarding one's resources or assets in a responsible and careful manner.
The idiom "by trade" is also connected to the verb form of "save." When someone is described as being a professional or skilled worker "by trade," it means that their occupation or expertise is in a specific field or industry. This phrase highlights the idea that individuals can use their professional knowledge and skills to earn a living and potentially save their hard-earned money for the future.
Lastly, the idiom "save someone's skin" is related to the verb form of "save" in a figurative sense. It means to rescue or protect someone from a dangerous or harmful situation, often with the implication that the person being saved owes a debt of gratitude to the savior. This idiom emphasizes the act of preserving someone's well-being or reputation, and it can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "save" can be used in a sentence:
- He was able to save enough money to buy a new car.
- The firefighter saved the family from the burning building.
- She saved the document before the computer crashed.
Analysis:
The idiom "save" can be used in different contexts with various meanings. In the first example, "save" is used to mean "accumulate for future use" or "set aside for a specific purpose." The person mentioned was able to accumulate enough money for the intended purpose of purchasing a new car.
In the second example, "save" is used to mean "rescue" or "help someone or something from danger or harm." The firefighter saved the family by rescuing them from the burning building, ensuring their safety.
In the last example, "save" is used in the context of computer technology, where it means "preserve data or changes by storing it." The person mentioned was able to preserve the document by saving it before the computer crashed, preventing any loss of work.
More "refrain" idioms
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