sell one’s soul: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘sell one's soul’ mean?
The idiom sell one's soul means to give up one's integrity, values, or principles in exchange for personal gain or success, often in a morally questionable or compromising way.
Idiom Explorer
"Sell the pass" is an idiom that means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain. The origin of the idiom comes from historical military strategies where a pass (a narrow path through mountains or hills) would be strategically sold by a person to the opposing army, allowing them to gain access and defeat their own side. The idiom is often used to describe situations where someone betrays their own team, group, or allies.
The idiom "sell someone a bill of goods" means to deceive or mislead someone, especially by making false or exaggerated claims about a product or service.
The idiom "sell like hot cakes" means that something is selling very quickly or in large quantities, often due to high demand or popularity.
The idiom "sell down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain or to avoid trouble, by putting them in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, often without their knowledge or consent.
The idiom "sell down" means to reduce or decrease the number or amount of something that is being sold. It typically refers to selling stocks or shares in a company.
The idiom "sell dearly" means to fight or resist strongly in a situation, particularly when faced with a disadvantage or loss. It implies that one should make every effort to protect their interests and not give up easily.
The idiom "sell bargains" refers to the act of convincing someone to buy something at a lower or discounted price. It implies the skill or ability to negotiate a better deal for the buyer.
The idiom "sell one's body" means engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money. It is a euphemism for prostitution and implies the act of using one's body as a commodity for financial gain.
The idiom "redeem oneself" means to improve one's reputation or regain respect by doing something good or making up for past mistakes.
The idiom "put one's heart in" means to do something with great enthusiasm, passion, and dedication.
Deciphering the Faustian Bargain
The idiom "sell one's body" is related to the phrase "sell one's soul." While "sell one's soul" refers to making morally compromising decisions for personal gain, "sell one's body" refers to engaging in physical labor or activities in exchange for money or material benefits. The idiom is often used to describe situations where individuals are willing to sacrifice their physical well-being or dignity for financial gain.
Baring one's soul is another commonly used idiom related to "sell one's soul." The phrase "bare one's soul" means to reveal one's deepest thoughts, emotions, or secrets to someone else. It implies a level of vulnerability and openness that goes beyond superficial interactions. While "sell one's soul" refers to a compromise of integrity, "bare one's soul" suggests a willingness to expose one's true self without reservation.
The idiom "sell dearly" is also connected to the concept of selling one's soul. While "sell one's soul" usually refers to compromising one's principles for personal gain, "sell dearly" means to fight or defend something vigorously, demanding a high price. The phrase implies that one is not willing to easily relinquish or compromise the thing being sold. It suggests a strong determination to protect one's interests at any cost.
When considering the related idioms "sell one's body," "bare one's soul," and "sell dearly," it becomes clear that the concept of selling one's soul extends beyond the literal interpretation. It encompasses different aspects of human experience, from physical labor and vulnerability to fierce determination and the defense of one's beliefs or values.
The idiom "sell one's soul" is a metaphorical expression that captures the idea of making a morally or ethically compromising decision for personal gain. It is often used in discussions about career choices, political decisions, or personal relationships, where individuals are perceived to make compromises that contradict their fundamental values or beliefs. The idiom implies giving up one's integrity, values, or principles in exchange for material or worldly advantages.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient religious and philosophical beliefs. The concept of the soul holds significant importance in various spiritual and religious traditions. In Christianity, for instance, the soul is believed to be the eternal essence of a person that is subject to judgment based on one's actions and choices during earthly life. Selling one's soul is considered a grave offense against moral and spiritual principles.
The exact origin of the idiom is not certain, but it is believed to have originated in literary and artistic contexts. The idea of selling one's soul for personal gain has been explored in various literary works, such as the Faust legend. The most famous depiction of this theme is found in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play "Faust," where the protagonist, Faust, sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures.
This idiom is widely used in contemporary society to convey a sense of moral compromise or desperation. It has become ingrained in everyday language, and its usage extends beyond literal interpretations. The idiom "sell one's soul" has found its way into popular culture, with numerous references in films, music, and literature.
In movies like "The Devil's Advocate" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," characters are portrayed as making Faustian deals, sacrificing their souls for personal gain. Similarly, musicians frequently use this idiom in their lyrics to express themes of temptation, moral ambiguity, or the pursuit of fame and fortune.
The idiom "sell one's body" is related to the phrase "sell one's soul." It refers to engaging in physical labor or activities in exchange for money or material benefits. This idiom is often used to describe situations where individuals are willing to sacrifice their physical well-being or dignity for financial gain.
Baring one's soul is another commonly used idiom related to "sell one's soul." It means to reveal one's deepest thoughts, emotions, or secrets to someone else. This idiom implies a level of vulnerability and openness that goes beyond superficial interactions. It suggests a willingness to expose one's true self without reservation.
The idiom "sell dearly" is also connected to the concept of selling one's soul. It means to fight or defend something vigorously, demanding a high price. This idiom implies that one is not willing to easily relinquish or compromise the thing being sold. It suggests a strong determination to protect one's interests at any cost.
Overall, the idioms "sell one's body," "bare one's soul," and "sell dearly" are all related to the concept of selling one's soul. They provide different perspectives on the idea of compromising one's values or beliefs for personal gain, whether it be through physical labor, emotional vulnerability, or fierce determination. These idioms highlight the complex nature of human decision-making and the choices we make in pursuit of our desires.
Example usage
1. She was so desperate for money that she decided to sell her soul and work for the corrupt company.
2. The politician was accused of selling his soul to the highest bidder during the election campaign.
3. The artist refused to compromise his vision and insisted he would never sell his soul for fame and fortune.
More "Bargain" idioms
