under a spell: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "under a spell" is commonly used in English language and it describes someone who is captivated by someone or something to the point where they cannot think or act rationally. This idiom has its origins in ancient times when people believed in the power of magic and sorcery.

One possible origin of this idiom can be found in witchcraft and black magic. In these ancient practices, it was believed that a person could be put under a spell or enchantment by a witch or sorcerer. This spell would then have the ability to influence the person's thoughts, emotions, and actions. The idea of being under a spell became associated with a state of being completely under the control or influence of another.

Another possible source of this idiom can be found in fairy tales and folklore. In many stories, individuals are depicted as being under the spell of a magical entity or curse. This spell often clouds their judgment and causes them to act irrationally or strangely. This concept of being under a spell has been widely used in literature and popular culture, further solidifying its place in the English language.

It is worth mentioning that the idiom "under a spell" is often used metaphorically in modern usage. While the literal belief in magic and sorcery may have diminished over time, the metaphorical meaning remains. When someone is described as being under a spell, it implies that they have become infatuated or entranced by someone or something, and their thoughts and actions are being influenced in a way that is beyond their control.

In addition to the idiom "under a spell", there are several related idioms that convey a similar meaning. One such idiom is "sweep someone off their feet". This idiom describes the act of making someone feel completely smitten or infatuated. Just like being under a spell, when someone is swept off their feet, their thoughts and actions may be influenced by their intense feelings for someone else.

Another related idiom is "stuck on". This idiom is often used to describe someone who is intensely and persistently infatuated with someone else. Similar to being under a spell, being stuck on someone means that their thoughts and actions are heavily influenced by their strong feelings for that person.

The idiom "set a spell" is yet another related expression. This idiom is often used to describe the act of captivating or entrancing someone. When someone sets a spell, they have the ability to mesmerize or enchant others, causing them to be under their influence or control. This is similar to the concept of being under a spell.

Lastly, the idiom "steal someone's heart" is related to being under a spell. This idiom is often used to describe the act of captivating or charming someone to the point where they become deeply infatuated. When someone's heart is stolen, they are under the influence of the person who stole their heart, just like being under a spell.

To summarize, the idiom "under a spell" originated from ancient beliefs in magic and sorcery. It has evolved over time to convey a metaphorical meaning of being captivated or mesmerized by someone or something. In addition to this idiom, there are several related idioms such as "sweep someone off their feet", "stuck on", "set a spell", and "steal someone's heart" that all describe a similar state of being under the influence or control of another. These idioms effectively convey the idea of being captivated or infatuated, and they have become ingrained in the English language.