PhrasesHub

Harbinger of doom

    Definitions

      • someone who predicts or warns of something bad or disastrous
        To describe a person who always seems to bring bad news or negative predictions

      • a sign or indication that something bad is going to happen
        To refer to a warning or omen that suggests a future negative event or outcome

    Examples of Harbinger of doom

    • The dark storm clouds gathering on the horizon were a harbinger of doom for the farmers' crops.

      In this example, "harbinger of doom" is being used to describe the storm clouds that are a warning or sign of something bad that will happen, in this case, the crops being damaged or destroyed by the storm.

    • The sudden and unexpected resignation of the CEO was a harbinger of doom for the company's financial stability.

      Here, "harbinger of doom" refers to the CEO's departure as a sign of something bad that will follow, in this case, financial instability for the company.

    • The cawing of the ravens outside the castle walls was a harbinger of doom for King Edward.

      In this example, "harbinger of doom" is being used to describe the ravens as a warning of something terrible that will happen, in this case, the death of King Edward.

    • The warning signs in the laboratory were a harbinger of doom for the scientists' experiment.

      Here, "harbinger of doom" is being used to describe the warning signs as a sign of something bad that will happen, in this case, failure of the experiment.

    • The dark cloud hanging over their heads like a harbinger of doom indicated that bad luck was imminent.

      In this example, the verbose and clear explanation of the idiom "Harbinger of doom" is given. The idiom is used to describe something that signals or portends impending danger, misfortune, or evil. In this case, the dark cloud is used as a metaphorical harbinger of doom, as it suggests that bad luck is coming.

    • The director's ominous silence before delivering a verdict was the ultimate harbinger of doom for the accused.

      Here, we see the idiom being used to describe the director's silence as a sign or warning of impending doom, in this case, a negative verdict for the accused.

    • The warning signs were all around, as the market crash seemed like an inevitable harbinger of doom.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the warning signs that precede a market crash, as it seems like an unavoidable harbinger of doom.

    • The leader's bleak outlook on the team's performance was a harbinger of doom for their chances of winning the championship.

      Here, we see the idiom being used to describe the leader's pessimistic outlook on the team's performance as a sign of impending doom for their chances of winning the championship.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "harbinger of doom" is commonly used to describe someone who consistently predicts or warns of negative events or outcomes. It can also refer to a sign or indication that something bad is going to happen in the future.

    People often use this idiom to describe someone who is pessimistic or always expects the worst. It can also be used to refer to a situation or event that serves as a warning of a future negative outcome.

    Origin of "Harbinger of doom"

    The phrase "harbinger of doom" dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the word "harbinger," which originally referred to a person who went ahead of a royal party to arrange lodgings. Over time, the meaning of "harbinger" evolved to include someone who announces or signals the approach of someone or something. The addition of "doom" to the phrase emphasizes the negative connotation, suggesting that the person or thing is signaling the approach of something bad or disastrous.

    One famous literary example of the phrase "harbinger of doom" is found in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," where the character Macbeth encounters three witches who prophesy his future. These witches are often described as the "harbingers of doom" for Macbeth. Overall, the idiom "harbinger of doom" has a long history and has been used in various contexts to describe individuals or signs that predict negative outcomes.