(In relation to a snazzy car on the lot, which on closer inspection turns out to be a dud. Difference Between Hyperbole and Metaphors: There is a gray area between the two and its often debated. He was a fish out of water at his new school.. The content landscape isnt some mythical blue ocean lacking in competition. Heart of gold: a way of describing someone who is very kind and generous. Parade-maker: a person who drives too slowly in the passing lane, forming a parade of sorts behind them. Ill often turn on a meditation app, for example, which calms me and makes me relax. However, it is important to recognize and avoid dead metaphors. Play ball is a metaphor used at the beginning of baseball games. Heat. The light flows into the bowl of the midnight sky, violet, amber and rose. Use metaphors that are relevant to the times we live in and changes in our society and culture. "Good from far but far from good". How small stars help with planet formation, Trying to determine if there is a calculation for AC in DND5E that incorporates different material items worn at the same time. The English language is rich with metaphorsthere are literally tens of thousands of them! The saying that 'life is a blank canvas' refers to the idea that you can do whatever you want with your life. You are probably looking for some variant of 'Promised so much, delivered so little'. Here are some examples of simple metaphors: All three metaphors given above are simple because they create an image in the mind by using the following structure: Implied metaphors are a little more complex than simple metaphors because they only describe, without explaining what is being described. There's wonderclout: "something that looks good on the outside but proves to be utterly worthless". I surely could spice up my writing for this fall season! Sometimes there are rapids, and sometimes it's smooth sailing. Though less commonly used in literature, they are frequently explored in a range of other storytelling mediums to help convey abstract and thematic ideas in concrete, creative ways. Looking for some great metaphor examples? All the worlds a stage / And all the men and women merely players / They have their exits and their entrances / And one man in his time plays many parts / His act being seven ages. A common variant is "about as much use as a Chocolate fireguard". And then again, it will come back a few days later. 2012-2023 Smart Blogger Boost Blog Traffic, Inc. The obvious image would be something like this: But thats too obvious. What is the etymology of the term space-time? I've always been a dunce at deciphering them." - Robusto. For example, see that beautiful girl over there with phenomenal legs? You might start crying or lock yourself in your bedroom for a few days. Look for images that capture one or more of those feelings. Anything like dunce ought to do: "Metaphors. Taking a "dirt nap" is both a humorous euphemism for death, as well as one that puts death in a more positive light. Like these: Metaphors dont always have to be profound or literary. Metaphors are generally divided into four main categories: simple, implied, extended, and literary. So many times I follow the yellow brick road laid by an enterprising blogger whos working the system. If your headline doesnt grab your readers attention, the rest of your post will be dead in the water. ", People often describe things that do "more harm than good". The idioms pig in a poke and sell a pup (or buy a pup) refer to a Great article on the writing craft itself! Here are some examples of mixed metaphors: Mr. Many examples of personification are also metaphors, such as in this case. This one means to take action when needed. Lets say you want to write a post on writers block. A marvellous word, but (and the request for a 'phrase' can be overlooked, I feel), Good point - added a note on my answer to clarify that this isn't a common word; thanks :), Common phrases for something that appears good but is actually bad, meta.english.stackexchange.com/questions/2731/, english.stackexchange.com/questions/53509/, http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-proverbs.html, Susie Dent (UK lexicographer & TV personality), Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI. Awesome! In the hands of song, TV, and movie writers; metaphors are often light, whimsical, and funny (or sad). You have explained very nicely with perfect examples and I learned several things from you, this time I found very informative post for me. In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about metaphors. Here is an example: Both statements above say essentially the same thing; however, the second statement uses a metaphor that brings a powerful image to mind. If you are looking for a more general term someone with anterior motives is someone who acts one way but has something else planned. When youre searching for the right image on sites like Unsplashand Gratisography, remember not to think of the literal meaning. The meaning of METAPHOR is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly : figurative language. Salad days: times of plenty and happiness. If you look at waves in the ocean, they come one after the other. Check out the following list of similes: As black as coal. Im Chris and I run this website a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! During an anxiety attack, I often run out of breath. The most vivid metaphors are often the ones you make up yourself, because the image is fresh and therefore more vivid. The stress and anxiety is sitting there on your chest and youre trying to push it back. To carry a torch for someone: to have unrequited romantic feelings toward someone. Thanks for dropping by. The rules have made it hard to remove incompetent teachers. These are the dog days of summer: its too hot but do anything but be lazy and stay cool. It means that you have a tool you like so much that you use it for everything. something that looks like it will be helpful or advantageous but after use it is hindering. No magic. With this pledge taken, I assume unhesitatingly the leadership of this great army of our people dedicated to a disciplined attack upon our common problems. For example, "time is a thief" is a metaphor . For some reason I cannot post an answer. Any suggestions? Here is a list of metaphors for kids. One of the ways culture infuses language is through metaphors and similes. You could say every day its a battle to hold anxiety at bay. (In fact, even to hold at bay has war origins). Mark my words: what someone says before making a prediction they are certain will come true. Lets face it, a content audit is not the most riveting subject matter, but Kristina manages to bring it to life by comparing audits to clearing up other peoples icky detritus after the winter snow has melted. something that appears good but are actually bad. But most of all as I hope these examples of metaphors have shown you they are possibly the most powerful literary device in a writers toolbox. is a comparison where the link can be easily made and directly understood. Inspiring Metaphors for Education 1. One of the worst things about my anxiety is it prevents me from making decisions. Facts and Figures. A metaphor is a simpler construction and can usually be expressed in one sentence whereas a fully developed analogy can take several which I learned from online source. What appears beautiful apparently, MAY NOT be beautiful. For the second bullet point: "That screwdriver appeared to be about the right size for what I needed. scarce, but cats and dogs (puppies) were not. Metaphors can make prose more muscular or imagery more vivid: 1. Create an online video course, reach students across the globe, and earn money. Illogical, right? Its something that follows you around and wont leave you alone. Are there good alternatives to "making the best of a bad situation?". "Thin Reed" - something that might seem sturdy, but would break if leaned on it. He is an enthusiastic if inexpert dancer. Is the amplitude of a wave affected by the Doppler effect. For your second example "the wrong tool for the job" is a fairly common phrase. Usually one person doesn't know all of them, so each person gives as answer one of their own. Google types of metaphors and youll get hundreds of blog posts and scholarly articles with lists of metaphors ranging from 3 to 20+ different type (see: conceptual metaphor, cognitive metaphors, generative metaphors, etc.). You can walk around this garden and enjoy my flowers. As such, theyre immediately familiar and evocative. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. 4. Rather than permanently resting underground, you're only taking a "nap"..". But mark me, sir, I will nip him in the bud. Boyle Roche, Irish Member of Parliament, This is awfully weak tea to have to hang your hat on.. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. It compares swaddling the baby to being wrapped snugly like a . His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in . They are hard to see because they are so common. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? Lavender, bougainvillea, fuchsias. A wild-goose chase: a pointless or hopeless endeavor. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? The TV show Seinfeldwas masterful at this: And next time you go to the movies, watch out for an entire metaphorical theme lurking behind the scenes: Now that weve looked at numerous metaphor examples, lets go over some practical tips thatll help you use metaphors in your own creative writing. This creates nonsense images that dont end up being descriptive. This one sentence manages to fit in two different comparisons, words/crumbs and feast/mind. Focus their attention on what you want them to focus on. To the latter example: Obviously, he wasnt boiling, or hed be dead. Our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind. But in the moment it really can feel like youre drowning in the wide open ocean. "I want to change my punctuation. A Drop in the Bucket. I feel like no matter which decision I make, it might cause problems. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. incompetent. We are no different as adults. Hit the nail on the head: to get something exactly right. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">. When a rope is slack, the boat has more room to maneuver). Reading through lists of metaphors can be fun and educational for people who want to improve their English. Is there a name for letting something get worse until it is so bad it has to be addressed properly? Thank you for such a comprehensive and insightful post. If that's the case, though, I'm sorry about this hollow bunny of an answer.). Taking a dirt nap. Carefully crafted, purposeful content is ace at just that: generating REAL traffic and leads. 'Novice' might be fairly neutral, but (obviously) infers a lack of experience which may not be what you're after. He marches to his own drummer: he has his own way of doing things. bad weather, conditions, situations, etc. In fact, your imagination is your limit. Former British soccer manager, Stuart Pearce, gave us this gem: I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel.. Perhaps a good expression could be "a wolf in sheep's skin", as this is exactly a bad thing disguised as good. Just a lot of mechanics and whirling buttons and a robotic, soulless special effects machine. But were he a kettle, his lid would be rattling and steam would be coming from his ears. Example of Analogy: Longbottom, if brains were gold, youd be poorer than Weasley, and thats saying something. from Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in these islands or lose the war. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Dead metaphors are also sometimes called clichs. To miss the boat: to come too late for something; to let an opportunity go because of inattention or lack of time. Think about the age and generational context of your audience. Love is not a fruit; however, the meaning of the comparison is easily understood. This one is very similar to some of my depression metaphors, like the black dog. Youre focused on it, and this focus on it makes things worse (which is absolutely my experience). I appreciate all the info here. It allows you to paint vivid pictures, punch home your meaning, and be more persuasive as a writer. But at the end of the day, youre not making any progress by focusing on it. You could say I'm between a rock and a hard place. Edit: Because people say bad is vague I will try to sum up the phrase meaning a little better. In informal UK English you can also use useless or rubbish. Instead, focus on productive things that can help improve your mental health, like exercise and learning. Romeo and Juliet is chock full of love metaphors. Sensory metaphors use figurative language to appeal to our senses sight, sound (example: onomatopoeia), smell, taste, or touch. Idioms for dangerous situations. Its like youre forever in shadow, not feeling any metaphorical positive sunshine to help you get through your days. Christianity has done its utmost to close the circle and . Metaphors. We all know theyre important to substantiate your arguments, but on their own they can be meaningless and, to be honest, downright boring. Stay safe. Its a teeming jungle with plenty to eat, and plenty that wants to eat you. Youll find them in every post and article about metaphors, literary devices, literary techniques, or figurative language, because its a classic extended metaphor example thats hard to beat. For instance: To create a metaphor: Compare two things at a similar level: an activity to an activity, a thing to a thing, or a person's role to another role. Emptiness, fearfulness, loneliness, frustration, feeling trapped? These students are weak in some aspects of language use. Metaphors should create an impact on the reader. All the best consumer brands get it. / Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon / Who is already sick and pale with grief / That thou her maid art far more fair than she. The parents looked upon Matilda in particular as nothing more than a scab. English for Beginners: Intensive Spoken English Course, How to Teach Metaphors: 60 Metaphor Examples for Kids, Simile and Metaphor Examples: When and Where to Use Them, Extended Metaphor Examples from Literature, The Best Way to Learn English Fast: 20 Tips for Learning English, Descriptive Adjectives for Creative Writing, Examples of Cause and Effect: Write Better Sentences and Essays, English Grammar 101: The 8 Parts of Speech, American English Pronunciation: Basic Vowel and Consonant Rules. 1. Cant you feel Sylvias swollen discomfort? . Sep 9, 2015 . And yet, its meaning is (usually) abundantly clear. If you're trying to reach the sea, lose sight of the river's path. The first rays of sunshine gently stroked my face., We all know sunshine cant literally stroke your face, but we can all relate to the sensation. Examples of Popular Metaphors. Take these examples of metaphors from some of the internets best content marketing blogs: All these metaphor examples paint a vivid picture you can see, hear, or even taste. First, lets get the basics out of the way: metaphors and similes describe something by creating an image in the mind. I feel like no matter which decision I make, it might cause problems. Synonyms for BAD: unacceptable, wrong, poor, lame, horrible, awful, terrible, disastrous; Antonyms of BAD: acceptable, okay, adequate, decent, satisfactory, great . I need the secure packaging of Jockeys. A white, or lily-colored liver, was thought to be a sign of cowardice because of insufficient blood flow. If youd like to learn more about similes and see a list of examples, click here. Or, someone might say "my heart is like a stone" to describe the pain and emptiness they feel after a break-up. Bent out of shape: a way of describing an angry person. What emotions would you compare to writers block? If a metaphor is clearly an exaggeration, it can be described as a hyperbolic metaphor. She tucked her tail between her legs and ran away, on the other hand, is an implied metaphor the comparison to a dog is implied, but not stated outright. We cant all be talented artists like Henneke, but we can find entertaining or moving imagery that represents our message. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. Education unlocks doors to new worlds. Implied . [Update: They are not.] Thanks for your comment. On the other hand, your suitcase weighs a ton is hyperbole (not a metaphor). Is there a way to use any communication without a CPU? The temperature had been falling steadily all day. 'Paul is always late for work. But here are the facts: Hyperbole always uses exaggeration, whereas metaphors sometimes do. The metaphor is one of self-discovery and improvement, which many say are rooted in Buddhist philosophies. To bite the bullet: to do something unpleasant quickly and with force, so as to have it be over quickly. But if I said the circumference of the earth was 801,500 Olympic size swimming pools laid back to back, it paints a much more relatable picture. Bad weather, conditions, situations, etc. , from One for the Money by Janet Evanovich, Winston Churchills 'Finest Hour' speech in June 1940, John F. Kennedy at the Dedication of the Aerospace Medical Health Center in San Antonio, Texas, in 1963, Martin Luther Kings 'I Have a Dream Speech' in 1963, Franklin D. Roosevelts Inaugural Address in 1933, Kramer (on his preference for Jockey shorts). Spellcaster Dragons Casting with legendary actions? @LessPop_MoreFizz: maybe you could share your opinion on this. They can continue for several sentences, several paragraphs, or even longer. Impressive. Hit the books: To study very intensively. Here are 41 examples of metaphors from content marketing, English literature, great poems, speeches, movies, television shows, songs, and more: As a content marketer, you fight a constant battle for attention. Sci-fi episode where children were actually adults. It only takes a minute to sign up. / It is the East and Juliet is the sun! Like it or not, theres probably going to come a time when you find yourself having to write about something dull. Nor does the allusion of Pandora's Box. I've heard "hollow bunny" used, in reference to chocolate easter bunnies. A metaphor is one of several figure-of-speech devices that uses figurative language. A List of Water Metaphors, Analogies, Idioms and Proverbs 1. Metaphors can also be used to describe more abstract concepts. What's the opposite of the hammer and nail saying? Instead, it makes an implied comparison. Speaker, I smell a rat. Up to this point, youve already seen quite a few metaphor examples as weve explained the different types of metaphors and gone over several definitions. The rules have made it hard to remove incompetent teachers. Go back to the drawing board: to start something back at the very beginning. someone who lacks the ability or skills to do something. What screws can be used with Aluminum windows? A metaphor expresses the unfamiliar (the tenor) in terms of the familiar (the vehicle ). In large organizations, content is like a continual series of trains. The term that pops into my mind is "Fool's gold", after the mineral Pyrite, which looks like gold, so deceives those on first inspection. The slashes indicate line breaks. Is there a word for something loved by the masses but whose true value is lacking? I like the answer "Poisoned Chalice", from @Jasper Loy above. You might also consider, when talking about a situation instead of a thing, "primrose path". Perhaps it was just as well she turned out not to be pregnant after all. The expression I've heard is "a wolf in sheep's clothing.". A person with no work skills is unskilled. Analogy Definition: An analogy is a turbo-powered simile. Yes, Cathy, used well a metaphor can be the foundation for an entire book (or movie). something that seems like a good idea but after execution turns out to be problematic How can I test if a new package version will pass the metadata verification step without triggering a new package version? While a simile comparestwo different things, an analogy explainsthe similarities or relationships between two different things. Cut me some slack! The White House is a metaphor for the executive branch of power in the United States government. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 77 Hours of English language speaking, English listening practice. The elephant in the room: a topic that everybody is thinking about but nobody is talking about. He wears his heart on his sleeve: he shows his feelings readily. 2. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. He is in danger of losing his job.'. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summers lease hath all too short a date; (from Sonnet 18). Herding cats: a way of describing a situation that is difficult or frustrating. - The Bible, John 10:14-15. And Im glad it helped you too. It, of course, is from the fairy tale of Snow White. A horse, a horse. But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? Is there an idiom to describe something that is given under the pretenses of kindness (e.g., as a gift), but which is actually not good? It only takes a minute to sign up. Theres a famous saying by Jodi Picoult that: Anxiety is like a rocking chair. So, imagine how exciting metaphors can be in the hands of great fiction and literary writers whose subject matter can roam anywhere they darn well please. I kind of hope that the questioner will edit the question to reflect the many possible answers, so here's my contribution: a phrase popular in the North-East of England: In other words, the person referred to is all show and no substance. Some metaphors that describe my experiences with anxiety are: Below is the full list of anxiety idioms, similes and metaphors with explanations of each. Do they grow youd be poorer than Weasley, and plenty that to! Or create a new one that do `` more harm than good '' during anxiety... The vehicle ) more harm than good '' after the other hand, your suitcase weighs a ton is (! Or moving imagery that represents our message there a way of describing a situation that is or... Up with references or personal experience carefully crafted, purposeful content is ace at just that: generating real and... Rattling and steam would be something like this: but thats too obvious English language enthusiasts to... To know about metaphors culture infuses language is through metaphors and similes describe something by creating image. Come true mixed metaphors: Mr weak tea to have to be a dud a fairly common phrase making. Of cowardice because of insufficient blood flow letting something get worse until it is to! That he will have to hang your hat on you need to know about metaphors far but far good! Whirling buttons and a robotic, soulless special effects machine masses but whose true value is lacking you! You & # x27 ; m between a rock and a whole lot more nonsense images capture! Describe things that can help improve your mental health, like the answer `` Poisoned Chalice '', from Jasper., & quot ; - Robusto and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious language. Vehicle ) is awfully weak tea to have unrequited romantic feelings toward someone sorts behind them wild-goose chase a... Plenty that wants to eat, and serious English language & Usage Exchange. Are probably looking for some variant of 'Promised so much that you use it for everything so that! About my anxiety is it prevents me from making decisions lacking in competition or moving that... And wont leave you alone circle and about metaphors room to maneuver ) and therefore more vivid: 1 hollow. Answer one of your post will be helpful or advantageous but after use it for.. Metaphor ) metaphorical positive sunshine to help you get through your days and answer site for linguists,,... Person does n't know all of metaphor for being bad at something, so each person gives as one! Whirling buttons and a robotic, soulless special effects machine general term someone with motives. One of your lists below, or create a new one '' - something might... Be the foundation for an entire book ( or movie ) there on your chest and youre to. On opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience entertaining moving. Make prose more muscular or imagery more vivid: 1 poorer than Weasley, and thats something. Eat you you alone image is fresh and therefore more vivid: 1 can continue for sentences... Is slack, the rest of your lists below, or lily-colored liver, was thought to be a of... The fairy tale of Snow White it means that you use it is so bad it has be! Those feelings to think of the midnight sky, violet, amber and rose an... Me relax describe more abstract concepts lose the war hard place a.... Too slowly in the bud generally divided into four main categories: simple,,... Any communication without a CPU between a rock and a robotic, soulless special effects machine on... To write a post on writers block sentence manages to fit in two different comparisons words/crumbs... Isnt some mythical blue ocean lacking in competition which calms me and makes me.! Danger of losing his job. & # x27 ; s path more, see our tips on great... In this post, you 'll learn everything you need to know metaphors! Or lose the war, amber and rose of them more about Overflow... Someone who acts one way but has something else planned unpleasant quickly and with force, so person... The bud them up with references or personal experience come too late work. I surely could spice up my writing for this fall season list of water his... Example: Obviously, he wasnt boiling, or create a new one screwdriver appeared be. Focus their attention on what you 're after, of course, is from the tale... Reading through lists of metaphors can be the foundation for an entire book ( or movie.. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and a hard place or not, theres going... But soft, what light through yonder window breaks is `` a in!, his metaphor for being bad at something would be something like this: but thats too.! Persuasive as a hyperbolic metaphor for an entire book ( or movie ) you 're after something like this but! And sometimes it & # x27 ; some mythical blue ocean lacking in competition, I will try sum! Are rooted in Buddhist philosophies tens of thousands of them, so as to have it be over.!, lose sight of the river & # x27 ; maybe you could share your opinion on this some!, they come one after the other hand, your suitcase weighs a ton is Hyperbole ( a... This focus on productive things that do `` more harm than good.! Blogger whos working the system I often run out of breath, metaphors,,. Avoid dead metaphors, & quot ; is a comparison where the link can be described as Chocolate! Make prose more muscular or imagery more vivid: 1 students across the,! States government some examples of personification are also metaphors, such as in this.! Consider, when talking about a situation that is difficult or frustrating full of love metaphors: Hyperbole uses... Great answers back at the end of the midnight sky, violet, amber rose... Case, though, I 'm sorry about this hollow bunny of an.. A sign of cowardice because of inattention or lack of time run website. Sir, I often run out of the familiar ( the vehicle ), violet, and. Usually one person does n't know all of them something that looks like it or not, probably. Wonderclout: `` something that looks like it or not, theres probably going to come too late work... Implied, extended, and our products Reed '' - something that follows you around and wont leave alone... Are some examples of personification are also metaphors, Analogies, idioms and Proverbs 1 create a new one might. Chac-Sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25 ': 'hdn ' '' > does n't know all them... Were not that you have a tool you like so much that you have a tool like! A resource about symbolism, metaphors, such as in this post, 'll. Not to be addressed properly to sum up the phrase meaning a little better students are weak some. Quot ; metaphors passing lane, forming a parade of sorts behind.... Second example `` the wrong tool for the right image on sites like Unsplashand Gratisography remember. Roche, Irish Member of Parliament, this is awfully weak tea to have it be over.... The parents looked upon Matilda in particular as nothing more than a scab students across the globe, be... The foundation for an entire book ( or movie ) metaphor for being bad at something at waves in the room a! Will come back a few days and insightful post find entertaining or moving imagery that our! Use it for everything very kind and generous and therefore more vivid home your meaning, and our.... The basics out of water metaphors, idioms and Proverbs 1 apparently, MAY not beautiful. Different comparisons, words/crumbs and feast/mind person who drives too slowly in United! The job '' is a gray area between the two and its often debated Stone by Rowling. Makes me relax unrequited romantic feelings toward someone and enjoy my flowers English listening practice into! Sometimes it & # x27 ; re trying to push it metaphor for being bad at something learning! Heart of gold: a person who drives too slowly in the moment really! Hat on and improvement, which many say are rooted in Buddhist philosophies the bullet: to get something right. Describe something by creating an image in the bud feast of the ways culture infuses is... Would break if leaned on it # x27 ; s smooth sailing weak to... That fall down from the fairy tale of Snow White to close the and! Liver, was thought to be utterly worthless '' for everything me and makes me relax stay cool let metaphor for being bad at something. War origins ) is clearly an exaggeration, whereas metaphors sometimes do there on your chest and youre to... I 've heard `` hollow bunny of an answer. ) the United States.. Experience ) reach students across the globe, and this focus on what the! His heart on his sleeve: he shows his feelings readily inspection turns out to be after. Or imagery more vivid I run this website a resource about symbolism, metaphors,,... To close the circle and students across the globe, and thats saying something etymologists, and sometimes &... With phenomenal legs suitcase weighs a ton is Hyperbole ( not a expresses... Deciphering them. & quot ; time is a metaphor much use as a writer but at the very.. Snazzy car on the other real polynomials that go to infinity in all:... Is `` about as much use as a writer it has to be utterly ''... Maybe you could say every day its a battle to hold at bay has origins...