PhrasesHub

From sea to shining sea

    Definitions

      • to describe the vastness or expanse of a country
        This idiom is used to describe a large geographical area, usually a country, that spans from one coast to the other. It is often used to emphasize the size and scale of a nation, highlighting its vastness and diversity.

      • to represent unity and interconnectedness
        This idiom can also be used to symbolize the unity and interconnectedness of a nation, as a country's coasts are connected by the sea. It can be used to convey a sense of national pride and solidarity, highlighting the shared values and experiences of a country's citizens.

      • to symbolize freedom and opportunity
        Another interpretation of this idiom is to represent the idea of freedom and opportunity within a country. The phrase "shining sea" can be seen as a metaphor for a bright future, with endless possibilities and opportunities waiting for those who are willing to explore and take risks.

    Examples of From sea to shining sea

    • The road trip we took from California to New York was a journey from sea to shining sea.

      This idiom means traveling from the coasts (the sea) to the heartland of America (shining sea, which is a poetic way of saying the middle of the country that is lush and green).

    • The American flag waves proudly from sea to shining sea.

      This idiom is often used to describe the vastness and beauty of the United States. It literally means that the flag can be seen waving from one coast to the other, but figuratively it means that the country is vast and extends far and wide.

    • The company's products are sold from sea to shining sea.

      This idiom means that the products are sold from coast to coast, which shows that the company has a wide distribution network and is successful in all parts of the country.

    • The event was a huge success, with guests traveling from sea to shining sea to attend.

      This idiom means that people traveled from far and wide to attend the event, which was a testament to its popularity and reputation. It shows that the event was highly anticipated and attracts a diverse audience from different parts of the country.

    • She traveled from sea to shining sea, experiencing the diverse landscapes of the East Coast and the West Coast of the United States.

      This idiom, "from sea to shining sea," refers to traveling across the entirety of the United States coastline, from the eastern coast with its expansive seas to the western coast with its shining sun setting over the horizon. It's a poetic way of saying that someone has traveled extensively throughout the country, covering both its coastal and inland regions. The phrase highlights the contrast between the eastern and western coasts, emphasizing the vastness of the country and the endless potential for exploration and adventure.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "from sea to shining sea" can be used in a variety of contexts, but it ultimately conveys a sense of grandeur and unity. It can be used to describe the vastness and diversity of a country, the interconnectedness and unity of its people, and the freedom and opportunities within its borders.

    Origin of "From sea to shining sea"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the lyrics of the patriotic song "America the Beautiful" written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893. The lyrics go, "O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!"

    The phrase "from sea to shining sea" became popularized through this song and has since been used in various forms of media, including literature and political speeches. It has become a symbol of American identity and has been used to represent the vastness, unity, and opportunities within the country.