PhrasesHub

All things must pass

    Definitions

      • Everything is temporary and will eventually come to an end
        To express the idea that nothing lasts forever and all things will eventually come to an end, whether they are good or bad.

      • Acceptance and resilience
        To convey the message that it is important to accept change and be resilient in the face of challenges, as everything is temporary and will pass.

    Examples of All things must pass

    • The sun will eventually set, and the night will take over. All things must pass.

      This idiom means that everything comes to an end, and nothing lasts forever. In this example, it's used to describe the passage of time and the cyclical nature of day and night.

    • She was a successful CEO, but now she's retired. All things must pass.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the transience of success, fame, or any other temporary state. It suggests that even the most powerful or influential people eventually have to leave their positions or lose their status.

    • The pandemic has caused a lot of suffering and loss, but we must remember that all things must pass.

      This idiom can be used to offer comfort or hope in difficult times. It reminds us that even the most painful or challenging experiences will eventually come to an end, and that we should try to find meaning or positivity in the present moment.

    • He was a gifted athlete, but injuries forced him to retire early. All things must pass.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the fragility or unpredictability of life. It suggests that even the most talented or promising people can be struck by misfortune or adversity, and that we should cherish our opportunities and accomplishments while we can.

    • She was heartbroken when he left, but she knew that all things must pass.

      This idiom can be used to describe the inevitability of change or transition. It suggests that even the most painful or traumatic experiences can lead to growth or transformation, and that we should try to learn from our mistakes or losses.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "all things must pass" is often used to remind people that everything in life is temporary and will eventually come to an end. It can be used in a variety of situations, from comforting someone going through a difficult time to reminding oneself to appreciate the good moments in life because they too will pass.

    The first meaning of the idiom focuses on discouraging someone from becoming too attached to something, whether it be a person, possession, or situation. By emphasizing that everything will eventually come to an end, it advises against investing too much time or energy into something that will not last.

    The second meaning of the idiom promotes acceptance and resilience. It acknowledges that change is inevitable and encourages people to embrace it and be strong in the face of it. This can be a helpful reminder during challenging times, as it reminds individuals that even the toughest of situations will eventually pass.

    Origin of "All things must pass"

    The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, specifically to the teachings of Heraclitus. He believed that change was the only constant in life and that everything was in a constant state of flux. This idea was later adopted by Stoic philosophers, who focused on the acceptance of change and the importance of resilience.

    In modern times, the idiom gained widespread popularity when it was used as the title of a song by musician George Harrison in 1970. The song, which was inspired by the death of Harrison's mother, became a popular anthem for those going through difficult times and solidified the idiom's place in popular culture.

    Overall, the idiom "all things must pass" serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of embracing change and being resilient in the face of it. It has a rich history and continues to be a meaningful phrase for many.