son of the morning: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘son of the morning’ mean?

The idiom "son of the morning" refers to someone who is extremely talented or ambitious and shines or stands out among others. It is often used to describe individuals with extraordinary abilities or potential.

Idiom Explorer

FAIL

The idiom "son of the morning" originates from the Bible. Specifically, it is found in the book of Isaiah, in Isaiah 14:12. This passage states, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!"

The phrase "son of the morning" in this context is used metaphorically to refer to Lucifer, also known as the devil. According to the Bible, Lucifer was an angel who was cast out of heaven. The idiom carries connotations of pride, rebellion, and loss of status. The connection to the morning likely comes from the symbolism of light representing divine glory. In the biblical narrative, Lucifer's fall represents a transition from heavenly splendor to earthly darkness.

This archaic phrase has had an impact on literature and poetry, where it is used to evoke the imagery of a fallen angel or a person who was once highly regarded but has since experienced a downfall. The idiom captures a sense of sudden and dramatic loss of power or position.

While "son of the morning" is not frequently used in everyday conversations or contemporary writing, its historical and biblical significance gives it continued resonance. It is often employed in a solemn or poetic context, conveying a sense of tragic grandeur or emphasizing the magnitude of someone's fall from grace.

Good morning, my son!

One related idiom that can be associated with "son of the morning" is "morning person." This expression refers to an individual who is naturally inclined to be more active, alert, and energetic in the morning. While "son of the morning" speaks more to a fallen figure, "morning person" denotes someone who embraces and thrives in the early hours of the day. Despite their different connotations, these idioms both center around the concept of morning and the qualities associated with it.

Another idiom related to "son of the morning" is "early bird." This phrase is used to describe a person who wakes up early in the morning. It can be connected to the idiom because both expressions involve the idea of morning and the significance of being active during that time. However, "early bird" simply refers to someone who starts their day early, with no negative or fallen connotations.

"bright and early" is another idiom that can be associated with "son of the morning." It is used to indicate that something will happen or be done very early in the morning. This phrase captures the idea of morning being a time of productivity and freshness. While both idioms involve the morning, "bright and early" focuses more on the timing and promptness of an action.

The phrase "of an" can also be connected to "son of the morning." This expression is used to indicate belonging or association with a particular group or category. In the case of "son of the morning," the phrase suggests a connection to the metaphorical figure of Lucifer or the devil as described in the Bible. The use of "of an" emphasizes the relationship between the subject and the concept of morning.

The idiom "son of the morning" has its origins in the Bible and is used metaphorically to refer to Lucifer or the devil. It carries connotations of pride, rebellion, and loss of status. While not commonly used in everyday conversations, it is prevalent in literature and poetry, often used to evoke a sense of tragic grandeur or emphasize a significant downfall. The related idioms "morning person," "early bird," "bright and early," and "of an" all revolve around the concept of morning but each have their own distinct meanings and associations.

Example usage

- The fallen angel was often referred to as the "son of the morning" due to his previous position as one of the brightest stars in heaven. - The prophet depicted the prince's corruption by calling him the "son of the morning," emphasizing his once noble status and his subsequent downfall. - In literature, the term "son of the morning" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who was once brilliant or successful but has since lost their glory.

More "mythology" idioms