PhrasesHub

Four corners of the earth

    Definitions

      • spread or cover a large area
        Used to describe something or someone that has a wide reach or influence, encompassing all corners or aspects of a particular area or topic.

      • a faraway or distant place
        Used to refer to a location that is geographically far away, often in a poetic or exaggerated manner.

    Examples of Four corners of the earth

    • Sarah had always dreamed of traveling to the four corners of the earth. She longed to explore the farthest reaches of the globe, from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the beaches of Tahiti.

      The phrase "four corners of the earth" is used metaphorically to mean the most distant and remote parts of the world. It is a way of expressing the desire to travel to the most far-flung and exotic locations. Here, Sarah's ambition to visit distant and far-flung places is being described.

    • The explorers bravely set out to chart the four corners of the earth. They sought to uncover the mysteries of the world's most inhospitable and remote regions.

      In this example, the metaphorical meaning of "four corners of the earth" is being used in a different context. Rather than being used to describe a dream or ambition, it is being used to refer to the most challenging and far-flung regions of the world.

    • The company's global strategy involved expanding into the four corners of the earth. They sought to establish a presence in every corner of the globe.

      Here, the phrase "four corners of the earth" is being used as a metaphor to denote a strategy of expansion into every part of the world. It is a way of expressing the idea that the company aims to operate in every corner of the planet.

    • The protagonist in the novel had traveled to the Four Corners of the Earth, seeking answers to the mysteries of the ancient civilization that once thrived in that land.

      This idiom refers to the furthest and most remote parts of the world, representing the vastness and expansiveness of the Earth. In this context, it conveys the idea that the character journeyed to the most distant and far-flung places in the world to unravel the secrets of the past.

    • The world-renowned chef had experimented with exotic ingredients from the Four Corners of the Earth, creating a unique fusion cuisine that delighted the palate of the food connoisseurs.

      Here, the idiom is employed to suggest that the chef had sourced ingredients from the most far-flung and far-off lands of the Earth to infuse flavors that were unknown and unheard of. It highlights the chef's daring and adventurous spirit, as well as his expertise in the culinary domain.

    • She had dreams of traveling to the Four Corners of the Earth, but practicality pulled her back to reality, forcing her to settle for the familiar and the mundane.

      In this example, the idiom signifies the desire to explore the farthest and most remote corners of the world, which is often accompanied by an overwhelming sense of ambition and wanderlust. However, the character's pragmatism prevailed, and she chose to sacrifice her aspirations for a more down-to-earth lifestyle.

    • The writer's vivid and imaginative descriptions transported the reader to the Four Corners of the Earth, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the uncharted territories.

      This usage of the idiom alludes to the author's flair for storytelling, which was so compelling that it made the reader feel as though they had been transported to the most remote and far-flung parts of the world. It highlights the writer's skill in capturing the essence of far-off lands through his words.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "four corners of the earth" can be used in two main ways. The first is to describe something or someone that has a wide reach or influence, encompassing all corners or aspects of a particular area or topic. This usage emphasizes the expansive nature of the subject, suggesting that it covers a large span or scope.

    The second meaning of the idiom is to refer to a faraway or distant place. This can be used in a literal sense to describe a location that is geographically far away, or in a figurative sense to refer to a place that seems unreachable or unknown. It is often used in a poetic or exaggerated manner, adding a sense of mystery or wonder to the description.

    Origin of "Four corners of the earth"

    The origin of the idiom "four corners of the earth" can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where the world was believed to be flat and divided into four corners or directions: north, south, east, and west. This concept can be found in various cultures and religions, including Greek, Hindu, and Native American beliefs.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to the farthest reaches of the known world, as explorers and travelers ventured to new and distant lands. It became a way to describe the vastness and diversity of the world, with each corner representing a different culture, landscape, or people.

    Today, the idiom is still used to convey the idea of a large or distant place, but it has also taken on a more metaphorical meaning. It can now be used to describe the vastness of knowledge, experiences, or perspectives that can be found in different parts of the world, emphasizing the importance of exploring and understanding them all.