PhrasesHub

All Greek to me

    Definitions

      • lack of understanding
        To express that something is completely incomprehensible or unintelligible to the speaker, often used when discussing a complex or unfamiliar topic.

      • foreign or unfamiliar
        To convey that something is foreign or unfamiliar to the speaker, typically used when referencing a language, culture, or customs that are unfamiliar to them.

    Examples of All Greek to me

    • The professor's lecture was All Greek to me.

      This idiom is used when someone does not understand something that is being said or written. It comes from the idea that the ancient Greek language was unfamiliar and difficult to learn for people who did not speak it. In this example, the speaker is saying that they could not understand the professor's lecture because it was presented in a way that was unfamiliar and difficult to follow.

    • The instructions on how to use the new software were All Greek to me.

      This example is similar to the first, but instead of a lecture, the speaker is referring to instructions for using new software. Again, the speaker is saying that they did not understand the instructions because they were presented in a way that was unfamiliar and difficult to follow.

    • The technical jargon used by the IT department was All Greek to me.

      This example is using the idiom to describe the language or terminology used by a specific group of people, in this case, the IT department. The speaker is saying that they do not understand the technical terms and phrases used by the IT department because they are unfamiliar and difficult to learn.

    • The menu at the fancy restaurant was All Greek to me.

      This example is using the idiom to describe a menu that the speaker does not understand because it is unfamiliar and difficult to decipher. The speaker may not be familiar with the types of dishes or ingredients listed on the menu, making it difficult to make a decision about what to order.

    • The legal jargon used in the contract was All Greek to me.

      This example is using the idiom to describe the language or terminology used in a legal contract. The speaker is saying that they do not understand the legal terms and phrases used in the contract because they are unfamiliar and difficult to learn. This can make it challenging for the speaker to fully understand the terms and conditions of the contract.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "all Greek to me" is commonly used to express a lack of understanding or knowledge about a particular topic or subject matter. It can also be used to convey that something is foreign or unfamiliar to the speaker.

    In the first context, the idiom is often used to express confusion or a feeling of being overwhelmed by complex or unfamiliar information. It can also be used sarcastically to imply that the speaker has no interest in understanding the topic at hand.

    In the second context, the idiom is typically used to refer to a language, culture, or customs that are unknown to the speaker. This can be seen as a reflection of the historical association between the Greek language and culture with knowledge and wisdom.

    Origin of "All Greek to me"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Rome, where Greek was seen as the language of philosophers, scholars, and intellectuals. The phrase "Graecum est; non legitur" (It is Greek; it cannot be read) was commonly used to indicate something that was difficult or impossible to understand.

    Over time, the phrase evolved into the modern idiom "all Greek to me," which is still used in English today. It is likely that the idiom gained popularity due to the widespread belief that Greek was a complex and difficult language to learn, making it a fitting comparison for something that is incomprehensible.

    Interestingly, this idiom has also been adapted in other languages, such as "Chinook jargon" in French and "Spanisch für mich" in German, both of which mean "it's Greek to me." This further shows the enduring popularity and universal understanding of this idiom.