What are antonyms of these idioms: a cat cried and to hold one's tongue? - briefly
The idiom "a cat cried" generally means a rare or unusual event, often implying surprise or disbelief. The antonym for this expression could be "a routine occurrence" or "a common sight."
For the idiom "to hold one's tongue," which means to remain silent or refrain from speaking, the antonym would be "to speak freely" or "to express opinions openly."
What are antonyms of these idioms: a cat cried and to hold one's tongue? - in detail
Idioms are a rich part of any language, often used to convey complex ideas in a concise and memorable way. Understanding the antonyms of idioms can provide deeper insight into their meanings and usages. Let us explore the antonyms of the idioms "a cat cried" and "to hold one's tongue".
The idiom "a cat cried" is not a standard expression in English, but it can be interpreted as a situation where something unexpected or unusual happens, similar to the idiom "when pigs fly." The antonym of this idiom would be an expression that signifies a common or expected occurrence. For instance, "a bird chirped" could be considered an antonym, as birds chirping is a routine and expected behavior in nature. Another suitable antonym might be "business as usual," which indicates that everything is proceeding as normally expected.
To delve deeper, consider the following examples of idioms that signify routine or expected events:
- "Raining cats and dogs" is an idiom that signifies heavy rain, but its antonym, "a sunny day," indicates clear and pleasant weather, which is a common and expected occurrence.
- "When pigs fly" signifies something that will never happen, but "when the sun rises" is an antonym, signifying a daily and expected event.
The idiom "to hold one's tongue" means to refrain from speaking, especially to avoid saying something impulsive or inappropriate. The antonym of this idiom would be an expression that signifies speaking freely or expressing one's thoughts without restraint. For example, "to speak one's mind" is a direct antonym, as it encourages open and uninhibited expression. Other suitable antonyms include:
- "To let it all out": This phrase suggests releasing pent-up emotions or thoughts, which is the opposite of holding back.
- "To spill the beans": This idiom means to reveal a secret, which is the opposite of keeping quiet.
- "To talk freely": This expression indicates unrestrained communication, contrasting with the restraint implied by "to hold one's tongue."
In summary, the antonyms of "a cat cried" and "to hold one's tongue" provide a clear contrast to their meanings. While "a cat cried" suggests an unusual or unexpected event, its antonyms point to common or expected occurrences. Similarly, while "to hold one's tongue" implies restraint in speech, its antonyms emphasize open and unrestrained communication. Understanding these antonyms can enhance comprehension and usage of these idioms in everyday language.