top of the morning: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘top of the morning’ mean?
The idiom "top of the morning" is commonly used to greet someone in the early hours of the day, generally before noon. It conveys the idea of wishing someone a good morning and is often associated with Irish culture.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up with the larks" means to wake up early in the morning, typically before sunrise. The phrase is often used to convey a positive attitude towards starting the day early and being productive.
The idiom "up with the lark" means to wake up early in the morning, at or before sunrise.
"Up with the chickens" means to wake up very early in the morning, typically at the same time as chickens, which wake up at sunrise. This idiom implies being productive, energetic and ready to start the day early.
The idiom "up front" means to be honest, transparent, or straightforward. It refers to someone who is open and clear about their intentions, actions, or expectations.
The idiom "up and at 'em" means to get up and start working or taking action with enthusiasm and determination.
The idiom "top of the line" means something that is of the highest quality or the best in its category.
The idiom "top of mind" means something that is constantly thought about or remembered, being of utmost importance or priority.
The idiom "top notch" means something that is of the highest quality or excellence.
The idiom "top it off" means to add the finishing touch or complete something, often in a positive or satisfying way.
Morning's Triumph
Top of the morning is an idiom commonly used in Ireland and Irish-American communities as a way to greet someone in the morning. Its origins can be traced back to Ireland where it is believed to have originated as a greeting among the Irish people in rural areas. Over time, the phrase became more widely used and eventually made its way to Irish-American communities in the United States.
In addition to its association with Ireland, the idiom "top of the morning" has also been used in other English-speaking countries. However, in these contexts, the phrase is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner rather than as a serious greeting. It has become synonymous with Irish culture and is often used to create a sense of Irish identity or to evoke a stereotypical Irish character.
The idiom "top of the morning" is a friendly greeting that is used to wish someone a good morning and is typically used in casual or informal settings. It is often used as a way of starting a conversation or expressing goodwill towards another person. However, its usage may vary depending on the cultural context in which it is used.
Related to the idiom "top of the morning" is the phrase "early bird." The term "early bird" is used to describe someone who wakes up early in the morning, often before others. This phrase emphasizes the idea of being active or productive early in the day. The concept of being an "early bird" aligns with the idea of greeting someone with "top of the morning" as both idioms emphasize the morning and starting the day with energy and enthusiasm.
Another related idiom is "top of the hour." This phrase is often used in broadcasting to refer to the beginning of a new hour. It signifies a fresh start or a new beginning. In the context of "top of the morning," the phrase "top of the hour" further emphasizes the idea of starting the day on a positive note and making the most out of each hour.
The idiom "top of the morning" is a widely recognized and understood greeting that originated in Ireland. It has since become associated with Irish culture and is often used to evoke a sense of Irish identity. Its meaning is generally understood, but its usage may vary depending on the cultural context. Additionally, related idioms such as "early bird" and "top of the hour" further emphasize the themes of starting the day with energy and making the most out of each hour.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "top of the morning" can be used in a sentence:
- He always wakes up at the top of the morning to start his day early and be productive.
- As I greeted my neighbor, I exclaimed, "Well, isn't it the top of the morning to you!"
- The team gathered at the meeting room at the top of the morning to discuss their strategy for the day.
The phrase "top of the morning" is often used as a greeting or an expression to wish someone a good or productive morning. It can also be used to refer to the early hours of the day, typically around sunrise. The idiom is commonly associated with Irish culture, but it is used in various English-speaking countries.
More "Greeting" idioms
