PhrasesHub

Bottom drawer

    Definitions

      • traditional marriage custom
        Referring to a custom in which a bride's family would save items, such as linens or kitchenware, in a bottom drawer as part of her dowry to prepare her for married life.

      • hope for the future
        Symbolizing the hope for a happy and prosperous future, as the items in the bottom drawer were often kept for special occasions or for use in the future.

      • hidden or secret
        Describing something that is kept hidden or secret, as the bottom drawer was often used to store personal or valuable items that were not meant to be displayed.

    Examples of Bottom drawer

    • She always kept her secrets in the bottom drawer of her dresser.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who keeps their secrets, something that is of less importance, or something that is not commonly used, in a hidden place, usually at the bottom of a drawer or shelf.

    • He never wears the shirts in the bottom drawer of his wardrobe.

      This idiom can also be used for items that are rarely used or have lost their value. In this case, the person is referring to shirts that are kept at the bottom of his wardrobe, which he doesn't wear often or at all.

    • The relationship between the two countries was always kept in the bottom drawer of their foreign policies.

      This idiom is used to describe relationships that are not given much importance, and policies that are ignored or not given much attention. This helps in giving a sneak peek into how the foreign policies of nations are formulated.

    • The spare keys were always kept in the bottom drawer of the table near the entrance.

      This idiom is used to describe secondary or spare versions of something kept in a hidden place, which are usually not regularly used. In this example, the author is referring to spare keys that are kept in a drawer near the entrance, which are not used often but kept as a backup in case of emergencies.

    • She has a drawer full of secrets, and she keeps them all in the bottom drawer of her desk.

      This idiom is referring to someone keeping their secrets hidden away. By saying "bottom drawer", it implies that these secrets are being kept out of sight and out of mind, buried deep within the desk where they are less likely to be discovered. This is a metaphorical way of describing someone who is secretive or reserved, as the secrets in the bottom drawer are hidden from view.

    • He was always a man of mystery, and his bottom drawer held the key to unlocking his past.

      This idiom is using "bottom drawer" as a metaphorical key to figuring out someone's past. By saying "his bottom drawer held the key", it suggests that there is something important hidden away that could help explain this person's past. This could be literal, such as old letters or photographs, or it could be more figurative, such as memories or experiences that have been kept secret.

    • After his death, his wife was surprised to discover what was hiding in her husband's bottom drawer.

      This idiom is using "bottom drawer" to describe something unexpected or surprising. By saying "what was hiding in his bottom drawer", it implies that there was something shocking or surprising kept hidden away. This could be literal, such as a stash of money or valuable items, or it could be more metaphorical, such as a secret relationship or a guilty past.

    • The investigation uncovered a web of lies and deceit, but at the bottom of it all was a simple truth hidden away.

      This idiom is using "bottom of it all" to describe the heart of the matter or the root cause of a problem. By saying "a simple truth hidden away", it suggests that there is a truth that has been kept hidden, but it is the most important part of the investigation. This could be literal, such as a clue or a document, or it could be more figurative, such as a key piece of information or a confession that has been kept hidden.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bottom drawer" has multiple meanings, all originating from the traditional marriage custom where items were saved in a bottom drawer for the bride's future. It can refer to this custom itself, symbolize hope for the future, or suggest something hidden or secret.

    In the context of marriage, the bottom drawer was seen as a practical and symbolic way to prepare a bride for her new life. The items in the drawer were often practical and useful for the household, but also held sentimental value as they were passed down from generation to generation. This custom has evolved over time, but the phrase "bottom drawer" still holds a strong association with marriage and the beginning of a new chapter.

    The phrase has also taken on a more figurative meaning, representing hope for the future. Just as the items in the bottom drawer were saved for special occasions or for use in the future, the phrase can be used to express optimism and anticipation for what is to come.

    Finally, the phrase has also been used to describe something hidden or secret, as the bottom drawer was often used to store personal or valuable items that were not meant to be displayed. This can be seen as a metaphor for keeping something hidden or private, adding a sense of mystery or intrigue to the phrase.

    Origin of "Bottom drawer"

    The origin of the idiom "bottom drawer" can be traced back to the traditional marriage custom in which items were saved in a bottom drawer as part of a bride's dowry. This practice dates back to at least the Victorian era, where it was customary for a bride's family to provide her with household items for her new home. These items were often kept in a bottom drawer of a chest or dresser, hence the origin of the phrase.

    Over time, the phrase has evolved and taken on different meanings. It has become a symbol of hope and optimism for the future, as well as a metaphor for something hidden or secret. The phrase has also been used in literature and popular culture, further solidifying its place in the English language.

    In conclusion, the idiom "bottom drawer" has a rich history and has evolved to have multiple meanings. Its origin can be traced back to a traditional marriage custom, but it has since become a versatile phrase with various connotations.