PhrasesHub

Far from the madding crowd

    Definitions

      • Being isolated or away from the hustle and bustle of society
        To describe a peaceful, quiet, and secluded place or state of being

      • Being different or distinct from others
        To emphasize that someone or something stands out or is unique in comparison to the rest of society or a group

      • Being misunderstood or not fitting in with societal norms
        To express feeling like an outsider or being out of touch with the majority

    Examples of Far from the madding crowd

    • Emily preferred the secluded depths of the forest to the bustling town centers. She thrived in a tranquil environment far from the madding crowd.

      The phrase "far from the madding crowd" refers to being away from the crowded and busy places in society. In this example, Emily finds more peace and comfort in the peaceful and quiet forest rather than the more populated and lively town centers.

    • The artist retreated to his cabin in the mountains, a place far from the madding crowd, to focus on his art and find inspiration.

      Similar to the previous example, this instance highlights the idea that removing oneself from the busy and chaotic surroundings can lead to a heightened sense of purpose, focus, and creativity.

    • The rural community was far from the madding crowd, and the inhabitants enjoyed a simpler lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

      The expression "far from the madding crowd" is commonly used to describe rural areas or lesser-known locations that are less frequented by people. This example emphasizes the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of such places, free from the overwhelming crowds in urban or commercial centers.

    • The publishing company decided to launch a new novel in the quiet town of Cedarville, far from the madding crowd. They believed that the book's themes of solitude and introspection would resonate better with readers in less populated areas.

      The use of "far from the madding crowd" in this example has an interesting twist, as the location is being selected deliberately for the book launch rather than the author's personal preference. It highlights a scenario where a book's significance is heightened or its impact felt more distinctly in less populated areas compared to urban locations.

    • Emma always craved a peaceful and quiet environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. She would often escape to her secluded cabin in the woods, to disconnect from the madding crowd and immerse herself in nature.

      "Far from the madding crowd" is an idiom that refers to a place or situation that is away from the main population or busy areas. This phrase comes from the title of Thomas Hardy's novel, which portrays the life of Bathsheba Everdene, a woman who desires to escape from the social norms and expectations of her society. In our example, Emma's preference for solitude and her detachment from urban life are clear indicators of her desire to be "far from the madding crowd". Overall, our example emphasizes the pleasures of escapism and the benefits of disconnecting from the crowd.


    Conclusion

    This idiom can be used to convey a sense of tranquility and solitude, as well as individuality and being different from the crowd. It can also express a feeling of disconnection or not belonging to mainstream society. The use of "madding" instead of "mad" adds a poetic and old-fashioned touch to the phrase.

    Origin of "Far from the madding crowd"

    The phrase "far from the madding crowd" was coined by English author Thomas Hardy in his novel of the same name, published in 1874. In the novel, the main character, Bathsheba Everdene, seeks a quiet and peaceful life away from the chaos and drama of society. Hardy's use of "madding" in place of "mad" is said to be a nod to the Old English word "mæd" which means "foolish" or "frantic."

    The idiom has since been used in various literary works and has become a popular phrase to describe being removed from the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It can also be seen as a commentary on the pressure to conform to societal norms and the desire for individuality. Overall, the idiom captures the longing for a simpler, quieter, and more peaceful existence away from the demands and expectations of society.