Skip to main content

Exploring the Idiom 'To Have Been Around'

Meaning: The idiomatic expression "to have been around" is used to describe someone who has a lot of life experience, has seen a lot of things and has been through a lot of situations. It is often used to describe someone who is older, wiser and has a broad understanding of the world.

"to have been around" meaning and sample sentences

Part of Speech: This idiom is classified as a phrasal verb and is often used in the form of "to have been around."

Synonyms: Some synonyms of this idiom include "to have lived a full life," "to have seen it all," "to have been through the mill," and "to have been there, done that."

Context and Origin: This idiom has its roots in the late 19th century and has been commonly used in everyday conversations since then. It is often used in a casual and informal setting to describe someone's life experience, and is not typically used in formal or professional settings.

Sample sentences:
  1. She's been around for a long time and has a wealth of experience.
  2. He's been around the block a few times and knows the ins and outs of the business.
  3. She's seen a lot in her life and has been around the world.
  4. He's been around and knows how things work in this town.
  5. She's been around, and she's not easily impressed.
  6. I've been around and seen a lot, but I've never seen anything like this before.
  7. He's been around for a long time and has a lot of stories to tell.
  8. She's been around and has learned a lot about life.
  9. He's been around, and he knows the value of hard work.
  10. She's been around, and she knows how to handle herself in difficult situations.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

๐Ÿ“What Does 'Work Off' Mean? Idiom Definition, Examples, and Fun Explanation

๐Ÿ’ก What Does “ Work Off ” Mean? The idiom work off means to eliminate, reduce, or get rid of something—usually a negative feeling , debt , or excess weight —by doing physical or mental effort . It suggests using action to cancel out or balance an unwanted state. Examples of things you might "work off": Anger Guilt Calories Debt Simple definition: To remove something unpleasant by working or exerting effort. ๐Ÿ“œ Origin and Background of “ Work Off ” The idiom work off has roots in the industrial and labor-oriented cultures of English-speaking societies. In earlier times, labor was often used as a form of payment or punishment —like "working off a debt" by serving as an apprentice or farmhand. This concept evolved naturally into everyday English as a way to express neutralizing or offsetting something through effort. While no exact date marks its first usage, the idiom has been part of English since at least the early 19th century . ๐Ÿ”„ Whe...

๐Ÿ“ “Work One’s Passage” — What It Means, When to Use It, and How to Remember It

๐Ÿšข What Does "Work One's Passage" Mean? The idiom "work one’s passage" means to earn your way through effort instead of paying , especially in exchange for transportation, lodging, or some other benefit. In short: You don’t pay with money—you pay with labor! ๐Ÿ•ฐ️ Origin of "Work One's Passage" The expression dates back to nautical times , when people would work aboard ships in exchange for a free voyage . Instead of paying for their ticket across the ocean, they would assist the crew—cleaning, cooking, or doing physical labor. This practice was especially common during the 18th and 19th centuries , when sea travel was expensive and often dangerous. Working one's passage was a way for poor travelers, immigrants, or adventurers to afford the journey. ๐Ÿงญ When and How Is "Work One’s Passage" Used? Today, the idiom is used figuratively , not just in the travel context. It refers to any situation where someone earns their place,...

The Cherry on Top: An Exploration of This Delightful Idiom

Meaning The idiom "the cherry on top" refers to the final touch that makes something exceptionally good. It describes a delightful or perfect addition to an already positive or impressive situation. Think of it as an extra flourish that brings satisfaction or enhances the overall experience. Usage This idiom is commonly used to highlight a bonus or an additional benefit. It’s versatile and appears in contexts ranging from casual conversations to professional settings. Here are a few examples: "The project was already a success, but the glowing client review was the cherry on top." "Winning the championship was incredible, and being named MVP was the cherry on top." "The free dessert at the restaurant was the cherry on top of a fantastic evening." Etymology and History The phrase originates from the practice of placing a cherry as the decorative final touch on desserts, such as sundaes, cakes, and pastries. This tradition emerged in the ...

๐Ÿ’ฌ Break the Ice — Meaning, Origin, Usage, and Fun Ways to Remember This Common Idiom

๐ŸงŠ What Does Break the Ice Mean? To break the ice means to do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation going , especially when people meet for the first time. It’s used when trying to make a situation feel more relaxed and friendly. ๐Ÿ“œ Origin and Background of Break the Ice The idiom break the ice comes from the days of trade by sea. In the past, large ships transporting goods would sometimes get stuck in frozen rivers or harbors. Smaller vessels called icebreakers were sent ahead to literally break the ice , clearing the way and making it easier for ships to pass. By the 17th century, the phrase began to be used metaphorically to describe starting up conversations or easing social tension—just like those ships, people often need a little help getting things moving! ๐Ÿ—ฃ️ When and How Do We Use Break the Ice ? You can use break the ice in a variety of social or professional settings: At the start of a meeting During introductions On first dates In classro...

๐Ÿ’ผ Get Things Done Fast! Understanding the Idiom "Set to Work"

๐Ÿง  What Does "Set to Work" Mean? The idiom "set to work" means to begin doing a task or job with focus and determination , usually without delay. It's commonly used when someone starts working on something right away, often with energy or purpose. ๐ŸŸข Simple Definition: To start working on something immediately and seriously. ๐Ÿ•ฐ️ Origin and Background of "Set to Work" The phrase "set to work" has roots in older English usage where “set” often meant to begin or cause something to happen , and “to work” referred to physical or mental effort. It's been used in English since at least the 16th century, appearing in both literature and everyday speech. It likely gained popularity during the Industrial Revolution when “getting to work” had very literal and urgent implications. ๐Ÿ“Œ How and When Is "Set to Work" Used? You’ll often hear "set to work" when someone jumps into a task, whether it's starting a new p...