PhrasesHub

Blood and thunder

    Definitions

      • excitement or drama
        Referring to a situation or event that is filled with intense emotion or action, often in a negative or chaotic sense

      • violence or aggression
        Describing a situation or event that is characterized by physical force or hostility, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner

    Examples of Blood and thunder

    • The speaker's presentation was filled with blood and thunder.

      The speaker's presentation was extremely lively, exciting, and dramatic, filled with strong and vivid language.

    • The captain gave a blood and thunder speech to inspire the team.

      The captain gave a speech that was filled with intense and passionate language, intended to inspire the team and motivate them to perform at their best.

    • The news broadcast contained blood and thunder reporting.

      The news broadcast contained reporting that was filled with intense and dramatic language, designed to grab the audience's attention and create a sense of urgency.

    • The actor delivered a blood and thunder performance.

      The actor gave a powerful and passionate performance that was filled with intensity and drama, captivating the audience with its energy and emotion.Note: The last three examples demonstrate how the idiom can be used in different contexts, such as to describe a speech, news reporting, and a performance.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "blood and thunder" is typically used to convey a sense of heightened emotion or intensity in a situation. This can refer to both positive and negative emotions, such as excitement or aggression. In either case, the phrase suggests a level of intensity that is beyond the norm and often involves chaos or drama.

    Origin of "Blood and thunder"

    The origins of the idiom "blood and thunder" can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was popularized by the American writer and editor, Ned Buntline. Buntline was known for his sensational and often exaggerated stories, which often featured violence and intense emotions. He used the phrase "blood and thunder" to describe his writing style and the type of stories he produced.

    The phrase itself is likely derived from the biblical reference to "fire and brimstone," which is often used to describe intense and dramatic events. Over time, "blood and thunder" became a popular phrase in literature and speech, and is still used today to describe intense situations or events. Its use has also expanded beyond its original literary context and can now be found in various forms of media, such as film and television.