take guard: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take guard’ mean?
Take guard is an idiom that means to be prepared or ready for something, especially a potential danger or difficulty. It comes from the sport of cricket, where the batsman takes guard to mark their position and be prepared for the bowler's delivery.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "watch out" means to be careful or vigilant, usually in order to avoid danger or potential harm. It is often used as a warning to someone to pay attention to their surroundings and be cautious.
"Take the offensive" is an idiom meaning to initiate an attack or make a bold move in order to gain an advantage in a situation.
"Take flight" is an idiom that means to leave or escape from a situation or place rapidly, usually out of fear, danger, or a desire to avoid something unpleasant.
The idiom "take cover" means to seek shelter or protection from imminent danger or harm. It implies the need to find a safe place to shield oneself from potential threats or hazards.
The idiom "take check" means to carefully consider or think about something before making a decision or taking action.
The idiom "take care of business" means to handle or complete necessary tasks or responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
The idiom "take a stand" means to publicly express one's opinion or position on a certain issue, often in a bold and assertive manner.
The idiom "take a risk" means to undertake an action or make a decision that involves uncertainty or potential danger, often in pursuit of a desired outcome. It implies a willingness to face potential negative consequences and to step outside of one's comfort zone.
Unveiling the Protector
The idiom "take cover" is closely related to the concept of "take guard." While "take guard" implies preparedness and caution, "take cover" emphasizes the need to find a protective position or shelter in order to avoid harm or danger. In both cases, there is an underlying sense of being alert and proactive in the face of potential threats.
In cricket, a batsman takes guard to position themselves correctly and be ready to face the bowler. Similarly, when someone is told to "take cover," it means they should immediately seek shelter or find a safe place to protect themselves from possible harm. This could be in response to a natural disaster, an attack, or any situation where personal safety is at risk.
By incorporating the idiom "watch out," we further emphasize the need for vigilance and awareness. When someone says "watch out," they are warning others to be cautious and alert to potential dangers or hazards. This parallels the idea of taking guard in cricket, where the batsman must constantly be on guard and attentive to the bowler's movements in order to successfully defend their wicket.
The idiom "look out" also adds to the connotations of caution and attentiveness associated with "take guard." If someone tells you to "look out," it means you should be on the lookout for something specific, such as an approaching vehicle or an object that might fall. Similarly, taking guard in cricket requires the batsman to look out for the bowler's delivery and assess where the ball is likely to come from.
Lastly, the idiom "keep watch" complements the metaphorical meanings of "take guard." When we say "keep watch," we mean that someone should remain vigilant and attentive to a specific situation or area. Just as a batsman takes guard to keep watch over their wicket and anticipated ball deliveries, taking guard in other contexts reminds us of the importance of staying alert and actively monitoring our surroundings.
It is worth noting that these idioms can be applied in various settings and are not limited to cricket or sports-related discussions. The underlying sentiment of preparedness, caution, and vigilance can be universally understood and can be used to convey a sense of responsibility and attentiveness in everyday situations.
The idiom "take guard" draws upon the world of cricket but can also be used metaphorically to signify a state of preparedness and caution. When we "take cover," "watch out," "look out," or "keep watch," we are similarly highlighting the need to be alert, proactive, and ready to respond to potential threats or challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom take guard can be used in a sentence:
- He stepped up to the plate and took guard before the start of the baseball game.
- The boxer took guard, raising his hands to protect his face.
- Before delivering his speech, the politician took guard by reviewing his notes.
More "Cricket" idioms
