stub out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stub out’ mean?
The idiom "stub out" means to extinguish a cigarette or any smoking material by pressing the burning end against a hard surface. It can also be used figuratively to describe ending or stopping something abruptly or forcefully.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stuff it" means to forcefully or angrily tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is a direct and rude way of asking someone to stop speaking or expressing their opinion.
The idiom "stick it to" means to take revenge or get back at someone by giving them a difficult or unpleasant experience. It implies confronting and defeating someone in a confrontational or powerful manner.
The idiom "stick a fork in something" means that something is finished or completed, and there is no need to continue with it.
The idiom "stem the tide" means to stop or slow down the flow or progress of something, often a negative or undesirable situation.
The idiom "quenchcoal" typically refers to the act of extinguishing or dampening a burning coal or fire, either literally or metaphorically. It implies the action of suppressing or reducing something, often an intense emotion or desire, to a more manageable or controllable level.
Put out a fire means to extinguish a fire or resolve a problem or conflict. It can be used both literally and figuratively to refer to taking action to stop or resolve a problem or crisis.
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"Stub out" is not only associated with the act of extinguishing a cigarette, but it also has connections to a few other idioms. One related idiom is "smoke out." This phrase is often used to describe the act of forcing someone or something out of hiding or concealment. When applied to the idiom "stub out," it suggests the idea of forcibly bringing an end to something, much like how a lit cigarette is forcefully extinguished.
Another idiom that is closely related to "stub out" is "put a stop to." This expression is commonly used to convey the action of ending or halting something, often in an abrupt or forceful manner. It aligns with the concept of extinguishing a cigarette by stubbing it out, as both involve a decisive and immediate termination.
Finally, the idiom "kick the habit" can also be connected to "stub out." When someone says they are going to "kick the habit," they are expressing their intention to quit a certain behavior or addiction. In the context of smoking, "stubbing out" a cigarette can be seen as a symbolic act of "kicking the habit" by choosing to extinguish the cigarette and refrain from continuing the behavior.
These related idioms highlight the varied ways in which the idiom "stub out" can be understood and applied. Its association with the physical act of extinguishing a cigarette provides a tangible image that can be metaphorically extended to convey the ideas of forcibly ending, putting a stop to, or quitting something.
The idiom "stub out" is a commonly used expression to describe the act of extinguishing a cigarette or similar object. It is believed to have developed naturally from the physical action it describes and has become ingrained in the everyday language surrounding smoking. The idiom's figurative implications and associations provide ample opportunities for interpretation, and it can be linked to idioms such as "smoke out," "put a stop to," and "kick the habit." Through these idioms, the concept of forcefully ending or quitting something is emphasized, making "stub out" a versatile and descriptive idiom in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *stub out* can be used in a sentence:
- I stubbed out my cigarette before entering the building.
- She stubbed out the cigarette on the ashtray.
- The camp counselor reminded the children to always stub out their campfire before leaving the site.
More "Smoking" idioms
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