PhrasesHub

Beyond our ken

    Definitions

      • beyond understanding
        Describing something that is too complex or mysterious to be understood or explained

      • beyond someone's awareness
        Referring to something that is outside of a person's knowledge or perception

      • beyond the scope of something
        Indicating that something is outside of the limits or boundaries of a particular topic or subject

    Examples of Beyond our ken

    • The team's latest project seemed to be operating beyond our ken. We were surprised at how efficiently they were running it.

      "Beyond our ken" refers to something that we have no knowledge or comprehension of. In this instance, the team's new project was so innovative and complex that we couldn't fully understand or predict its success.

    • The scientists' discovery of a new subatomic particle was beyond our ken. We were astonished by their achievement.

      "Beyond our ken" can also be used in the context of scientific discoveries that are too advanced for us to comprehend. The new subatomic particle that the scientists discovered was so complex and intricate that we couldn't fully understand its properties or implications.

    • The CEO's new strategic plan seemed to be operating beyond our ken. We were amazed at its success.

      "Beyond our ken" can also refer to something that is so well-developed or executed that it is beyond our abilities to replicate or understand. In this case, the CEO's new strategic plan was so clever and well-organized that we couldn't fully comprehend or match its effectiveness.

    • The artist's latest creation seemed to be operating beyond our ken. We marveled at its sophistication.

      "Beyond our ken" can also be used in the context of creative works that are too advanced or complex for us to fully comprehend or appreciate. The artist's latest creation was so intricate and innovative that we couldn't fully understand or appreciate its depth and meaning.Fill Up The Blank:Retain this sheet and bring it along with you to the test. Marks will be awarded ONLY for the answers filled in this sheet.Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying any text material, calculator or any other written material except this question paper into the Examination Hall. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including Ban from future examinations.1. What is the main motive of the person who has been posting indecent messages on my Facebook wall ?2. How is it possible that both faulty cartridges and a brand new printer are being produced simultaneously in the same factory under the same conditions?3. How do tennis balls twist and curl at the ends after being used for some time?4. How do crickets chirp? What is the method of producing sound?5. Normally during the day, a man working in the open under the sun is not bothered by mosquitoes. How do mosquitoes manage to locate a sleeping man in the dark and suck his blood?6. How does a secretion called ‘smegma’ formed in male reproductive organ help in preventing infection and protect it from drying?7. How do animals like elephants and whales which are unable to hear any sound produced beyond a certain range, hear the sounds produced by submarines and low-flying aeroplanes?8. Can you explain how a lens can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, the three main defects of vision?9. How does an insecticidelike DDT get stored in the fatty tissues of human beings for a very long time before being excreted?10. Children doing the same job in a factory are paid different amounts. How do the owners decide the amount to be paid to each child?11. How do we know that our kidneys are functioning properly?12. A seed when placed on the moist surface of the earth germinates and grows into a plant. How does it happen?13. Why does a copper wire become red hot when an electric current is passed through it?14. Why do our bodies feel very cold when we are drenched in rain although the temperature of the atmosphere may not havefallen?15. A milkman never spills a drop of milk from the bottles he is carrying on his bicycle, no matter how bumpy the road is. How does he manage to do so?16. How does a shrew weighing only a few grammes and eating almost twenty times its own weight of food in a day avoid getting obese?17. How can water boil in the atmosphere at a temperature much below 100°C?18. How can a tall tree withstand strong winds and not get uprooted?19. How does a boy riding a bicycle at a speed of 30 km/hr escape getting thrown off it when the same bicycle is pushed along at the same speed?20. In a burning house, some people are safely rescued while some are burnt to death. Can you explain the reason?21. A pickle jar, when filled with pickle, is firmly sealed. After some time, however, the brine starts leaking out of the jar. How does it happen?22. A spacecraft travelling in the space can carry enough food and water to last several years. How does it happen?23. A matchstick when struck against a box produces fire. How does it happen?24. How does a man consumed by fire in a room not burn his neighbours in the adjacent room?

    • The precise mechanisms of cell differentiation during embryonic development are still beyond our ken.

      Cell differentiation is the process by which a fertilized egg cell divides and develops into various specialized cell types in the body. Despite extensive research, scientists are still not fully understood the underlying mechanisms that govern this process, and it is considered to be beyond their knowledge and comprehension, hence the phrase "beyond our ken" is used.

    • Modern physics has taken us into realms that are truly beyond our ken.

      In modern physics, scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries that have challenged our understanding of the universe, such as the theory of relativity and the concept of quantum mechanics. These theories defy our intuition and imagination, and they are beyond our current knowledge and understanding.

    • The mysteries of the deep sea are still beyond our ken.

      The deep sea refers to the ocean's depths beyond the reach of sunlight and human exploration. Despite advances in technology, much of the deep sea remains unexplored and shrouded in mystery. The term "beyond our ken" is used to convey the sense that these mysteries are not within our current scope of knowledge and understanding.

    • The true extent of artificial intelligence remains beyond our ken.

      Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing field that promises to revolutionize numerous industries and aspects of society. While AI has made significant advances, it is still not well understood, and many experts believe that a true understanding of its full potential and implications is beyond our current knowledge and understanding.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "beyond our ken" is typically used to convey a sense of mystery, complexity, or unfamiliarity. It can be used to describe something that is beyond our understanding, awareness, or within the scope of our knowledge.

    In the first meaning, the idiom is used to express that something is too complex or mysterious to be understood. It can be used to describe situations, concepts, or ideas that are difficult to comprehend or explain. For example, "Quantum physics is beyond my ken, I just can't wrap my head around it."

    The second meaning refers to something that is outside of a person's knowledge or perception. This can also be used to describe situations or information that is not known or understood by an individual. For instance, "The details of the investigation were beyond our ken, we had no idea that it was happening."

    The last meaning emphasizes that something is beyond the limits or boundaries of a particular topic or subject. This can be used to describe situations or ideas that are outside of the expected or usual scope. For example, "The implications of this decision are beyond the ken of this committee, we need to consult with experts on the matter."

    Origin of "Beyond our ken"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Old English word "cennan," which means "to know." Over time, this word evolved into "ken," which referred to an individual's understanding or knowledge of something. It was commonly used in phrases such as "beyond one's ken" to describe something that was beyond a person's understanding or awareness.

    The use of this idiom became more widespread in the 19th century, appearing in literature and everyday speech. It is believed to have been popularized by Scottish author Sir Walter Scott in his book "The Abbot," published in 1820. In the book, he writes, "This was a species of knowledge quite beyond my ken." This usage helped to solidify the meaning and popularity of the idiom.

    Overall, the idiom "beyond our ken" has stood the test of time and continues to be used in everyday speech to describe things that are beyond our understanding, awareness, or within the scope of our knowledge. Its origins may be rooted in Old English, but its usage and meaning have evolved over time to become a common phrase in the English language.