PhrasesHub

Darling buds of May

    Definitions

      • youthful beauty and vibrancy
        Referring to someone or something that is in their prime or at the height of their attractiveness or strength

      • idyllic and carefree summer days
        Evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the warm, lazy days of summer

    Examples of Darling buds of May

    • "The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and everything seemed magical in the garden. The darling buds of May bloomed in abundance, spreading their captivating fragrance throughout the air. It was a sight to behold, a feast for the eyes, and a treat for the senses."

      The idiom "darling buds of May" is a metaphorical expression used to describe the early blooms of flowers that appear in May, specifically the buds of roses and hawthorn. Here, it is used to convey the beauty and magnificence of nature during springtime, when the buds of flowers open and scatter their sweet aroma. The phrase, "darling buds of May," is emphasized to draw attention to the beauty and allure of these blooms, and the writer attempts to transport the reader to this idyllic scene through rich sensory descriptions. The sun shining, the birds singing, and the fragrance emanating from the garden create an almost otherworldly atmosphere, making the blossoming of these "darling buds" seem almost enchanting.

    • "John had never seen anything as mesmerizing as the field of lavender swaying in the wind. The darling buds of May were nowhere to be seen, but this sea of purple was equally captivating. As the bees buzzed around the flowers, it was as though time had come to a standstill."

      Here, the use of "darling buds of May" is somewhat unconventional, as the idiom is typically reserved for the blooms of roses and hawthorn. However, the writer employs it to describe the buds of lavender, which bloom in early summer, when the "darling buds of May" would have long since faded away. This unusual use of idiom serves to accentuate the beauty and allure of the lavender field, and is also a subtle nod to the original usage of the phrase. The scene is set during a peaceful moment, when time seems almost to stop due to the stillness of the environment, and the speaker's senses are heightened by the sights and sounds of the scene. The "darling buds" of the lavender, alongside their sweet scent, become a symbol of the harmony and serenity of the moment.

    • "As the scent of the blooming jasmines filled the air, the city seemed to fade away, and the world felt like a peaceful haven. The darling buds of May usually signaled the start of a new beginning, but these flowers brought with them a sense of tranquility and calmness that was almost otherworldly."

      In this example, the "darling buds of May" are used to describe the blooming jasmines, which typically appear in the summer. This is another case of the idiom being used creatively to expand its traditional usage, and is effective in capturing the mood of the moment. The peaceful atmosphere created by the scent of the flowers almost contradicts the conventional association of these "darling buds" with the start of new beginnings. Instead, this usage signifies the comfort and serenity that comes from indulging in the beauty of nature, as the world around us fades away into the background. The original meaning of the idiom is still present, but mobilized in a fresh and imaginative manner.

    • "The garden had been neglected for far too long. It was a riot of weeds and thorns, with no trace of the "darling buds of May" that once graced its soil. As the rain poured down, the hope of a new start seemed to fade away, replaced by a feeling of despair and hopelessness."

      Here, the use of "darling buds of May" is employed in a more pessimistic context, where the garden has been neglected, and the hope of blooming flowers seems to be dashed by the rain. The phrase is used to underline the contrast between the beauty and vitality of the flowers in May, and the barren and lifeless garden. The absence of these "darling buds" becomes a symbol of the despondence and sadness that can ensue from neglect, and serves to create a poignant and evocative scene. The tone is somber, with the rain acting as a metaphor for tears as the writer laments the loss of the garden's former glory.

    • Spring has come and the darling buds of May are blooming in the garden, painting it red, yellow, and pink.

      The phrase "darling buds of May" is a poetic way of describing the beginnings of spring when the flowers first start to bloom. The image is of delicate and beautiful flowers opening in the sweet month of May. It's used here as a metaphor for the beauty and freshness of the new season.

    • After the dreary winter, the darling buds of May are a welcome respite, bringing joy and hope to the hearts of all who see them.

      The idiom is used to convey the idea that the arrival of spring and the blooming of flowers brings a renewed sense of hope and happiness to people who have endured a long and difficult winter.

    • The garden is alive with the darling buds of May, each one vying for attention and spreading a sweet fragrance through the air.

      The phrase is being used in this context to convey the vibrancy and beauty of a garden filled with blooming flowers in the early days of spring. The image is one of a garden bursting with life and colour.

    • The house was silent save for the hum of bees as they buzzed from one darling bud of May to the next, eager to collect nectar for their hive.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe the busy activity of bees as they collect nectar from the flowers in the garden. By using the phrase "darling buds of May," the author is portraying the flowers as objects of beauty and attraction for the bees, who are busy working their way through the garden.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "darling buds of May" is often used to describe both physical and nostalgic aspects of life. It can refer to someone's youthful beauty and vibrancy, or to the idyllic and carefree days of summer. In both cases, it conveys a sense of something delightful and precious, but also fleeting and temporary.

    Origin of "Darling buds of May"

    The idiom "darling buds of May" comes from a line in William Shakespeare's sonnet 18, which reads: "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May." In this context, the phrase is used to describe the vulnerability and fragility of new life, particularly the delicate buds on trees in the springtime. Over time, the phrase has evolved to take on a more positive and romantic connotation, often used to describe the beauty and fleeting nature of youth and summer.

    The phrase was also popularized in more recent times by the British author H.E. Bates, who used it as the title for his collection of short stories and later a television series. In this context, the phrase is used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler and more carefree time. It has since been used in various forms of media, including books, movies, and television, to convey a sense of warm and idyllic memories.