PhrasesHub

For whom the bell tolls

    Definitions

      • to indicate that something is important or significant
        Used to convey the gravity and impact of a situation or event, often suggesting that it affects a larger group or community rather than just one person

      • to symbolize the interconnectedness of humanity
        Based on the famous line from John Donne's poem, "No Man is an Island," this idiom is often used to remind individuals of their shared humanity and the impact they have on others.

      • to foreshadow or announce someone's impending death
        Derived from the practice of ringing a bell to signal a death in a community, this idiom is often used to suggest that someone's time is running out or that they are facing imminent danger or death.

    Examples of For whom the bell tolls

    • The retired professor's death was a great loss for whom the bell tolls.

      In this example, the idiom "for whom the bell tolls" is used to express that the departure of the retired professor was deeply felt by many people, particularly those in his academic community. It suggests that the professor's death was significant and that his contribution to the field was widely recognized and respected.

    • The tragic accident claimed the lives of several young athletes, whose demise tolled the bell for their families and loved ones.

      In this example, the idiom "for whom the bell tolls" is used to denote the profound impact that the accident had on the families and friends of the athletes who lost their lives. The phrase "the bell tolls" is a metaphorical expression that represents mourning or sadness, and it suggests that the deaths of the athletes provoked feelings of grief and loss among those who knew and cared about them.

    • The passing of the legendary musician was a blow for whom the bell tolls, not only for his fans but also for the entire music industry.

      In this example, the idiom "for whom the bell tolls" is employed to signify that the death of the celebrated musician was not just a personal tragedy for his admirers, but also a significant loss for the music world as a whole. The phrase "the bell tolls" symbolizes the solemnity and gravity of the situation, and it highlights the fact that the musician's departure left a profound mark on the industry and on those who fervently appreciated his music.

    • In the aftermath of the natural disaster, the authorities launched a massive relief effort, not just for those whose houses were destroyed but for whom the bell tolls - the countless people whose lives were forever altered by the tragedy.

      In this example, the idiom "for whom the bell tolls" is utilized to describe the immense impact that the natural disaster had on the local community, encompassing not only the physical destruction but also the emotional and psychological aftermath. The phrase "the bell tolls" here signifies that the disaster was more than just a material loss; it represented a profound human catastrophe that affected people in profound ways, beyond the immediate damage to their homes and belongings.

    • The news of the CEO's sudden resignation has tolled for many in the company, as they struggle to pick up the pieces.

      This is an example of the idiom "For whom the bell tolls" being used in a metaphorical sense. "For whom the bell tolls" originally referred to the death knell, the bell that rang to announce someone's death. Here, it's being used figuratively to mean that the resignation of the CEO has had a negative impact on many people in the company. The phrase "has tolled for many" implies that the news has brought sorrow and distress to those affected.

    • As the clock struck midnight, the sound of the church bell echoing through the streets seemed to toll for a lost era.

      Here, "For whom the bell tolls" is being used metaphorically to describe the passing of a bygone age. The phrase "tolled for a lost era" suggests that the sound of the church bell symbolized the passing of time and the end of an era.

    • The news of their engagement has tolled for many of their friends, who feel that the relationship is doomed to fail.

      In this example, "For whom the bell tolls" is being used to express the notion that the engagement has brought about feelings of sadness and foreboding among the couple's friends. The statement "the news of their engagement has tolled for many of their friends" implies that the friends believe that the relationship is not going to work out.

    • After the accident, the sound of the ambulance sirens seemed to toll for another life lost in the city.

      Here, "For whom the bell tolls" is being used to describe the sad and somber mood that filled the city after an accident. The statement "the sound of the ambulance sirens seemed to toll for another life lost in the city" implies that the sound of the sirens was symbolic of the loss of life and the passage of time. It suggests that the sirens served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "for whom the bell tolls" has several meanings, all of which are related to the significance and impact of an event or individual. It can be used to emphasize the gravity of a situation or to remind individuals of their interconnectedness and shared humanity. It can also be used to suggest impending death or danger.

    Origin of "For whom the bell tolls"

    The phrase "for whom the bell tolls" can be traced back to a famous line from a poem called "Meditation XVII" by English poet John Donne. The full line reads, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

    In this poem, Donne is expressing the idea that every individual is connected to each other and their actions can affect others. The phrase "for whom the bell tolls" became a popular idiom in the English language, used to convey the same message of interconnectedness and shared responsibility.

    The phrase also has a historical significance, as it was a common practice in medieval times for churches to ring their bells to announce a death in the community. The tolling of the bell would also serve as a reminder to pray for the deceased and their soul. This tradition is believed to have originated from the belief that the sound of the bell could drive away evil spirits and protect the soul of the departed. Over time, the phrase "for whom the bell tolls" came to be associated with death and the idea of one's time running out.