PhrasesHub

Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • express joy or excitement
        Express happiness or excitement about something that is happening or about to happen

    Examples of Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings

    • The birds chirped loudly and melodiously as the sun rose, filling the air with their sweet symphony. Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings, signifying the arrival of a new day and the start of a fresh beginning.

      This idiom, "Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings," is used to express the joyful and uplifting start of a new day, signaled by the songs of the birds at dawn. Heaven's gate refers to the horizon, where the sun seems to rise and set beyond the mortal realm. The lark is a type of bird known for its melodic song, which is particularly beautiful in the early morning hours. Overall, this idiom celebrates the beauty and richness of life, and the promise of new opportunities and experiences that each day brings.

    • The band played on, oblivious to the chaos and destruction wreaking havoc around them. The melody pierced through the mayhem, reminding the listeners that even in the midst of adversity, there is still beauty and hope to be found. Hark, hark! the music calls us to a better place, a land of peace and harmony.

      This idiom, "Hark, hark! the music calls us to a better place," is used to evoke the power of music to connect people, transcend boundaries, and inspire positive change. It highlights the ability of music to provide respite from chaos and suffering, and to offer a sense of hope and tranquility. By depicting the music as a guiding force that leads us to a better place, this idiom encourages us to embrace its transformative potential and to seek out the beauty and harmony that it can offer us in difficult times.

    • The workload at the office was overwhelming, and the deadline was fast approaching. The stress levels were high, and tempers were running short. But through it all, the team refused to give up, drawing strength and inspiration from one another. Hark, hark! the sound of unity and cooperation echoes in our ears, a chorus of voices united in their determination to succeed.

      This idiom, "Hark, hark! the sound of unity and cooperation echoes in our ears," is used to highlight the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support in achieving our goals. It underscores the idea that no great success can be achieved alone, and that we all need the help of others to realize our full potential. By presenting unity and cooperation as a harmonious chorus, this idiom encourages us to recognize and appreciate the value of collective efforts and to cultivate a healthy sense of community and camaraderie in our endeavors.

    • The winds howled and the rain beat down mercilessly, threatening to flatten the trees that dared to stand in their path. But amidst the tempest, a single flower stood tall and proud, refusing to be cowed by the elements. Hark, hark! the voice of resilience whispers through the storm, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is strength to be found in our inner selves.

      This idiom, "Hark, hark! the voice of resilience whispers through the storm," is used to convey the message that inner strength and resilience can help us weather the toughest of challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem. It encourages us to draw on our own inner resources and to trust in our ability to overcome adversity, much like the resilient flower that defies the elements. By presenting resilience as a quiet, yet powerful voice that speaks to us through the storm, this idiom underscores the idea that our greatest source of strength lies within us, and encourages us to tap into its potential.

    • The first light of dawn creeped over the horizon, and the birds began to stir. Suddenly, the sound of a cheerful melodic voice pierced the stillness of the morning. It was the lark, singing at the "gate of heaven" as the sun rose higher in the sky.

      This idiom, "Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings," is an old-fashioned expression that refers to the sound of a singing bird at dawn, as the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon. The phrase "heaven's gate" was used in the past to describe the eastern sky during sunrise, as it looked like a gateway to heaven.

    • For Emma, the sound of birds singing at sunrise was a symphony that filled her soul with joy and contentment. She would stand on her balcony, listening to the lark's song at "heaven's gate," reminding herself that life is full of beauty and wonder, and that there is always hope for a new beginning.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to add depth and emotion to a sentence, as it conveys a sense of peace, happiness, and optimism.

    • The alarm clock blared so loudly that it made Harry jump out of bed. He rubbed his eyes, pulled on his clothes, and went downstairs to the kitchen. The faint sound of bird chirps echoed in the air, and he looked out of the window to see a lark singing at "heaven's gate."

      This example demonstrates how idiomatic language can contrast with everyday speech, as it is more descriptive and poetic than common phrases. "Hark, hark!" is an old-fashioned exclamation that is less commonly used today, but it still carries a certain charm and elegance in its use.

    • Maddy had heard that morning birds singing at "heaven's gate" had a special meaning for ancient Greeks and Romans. She researched the topic and found out that the lark's song was believed to represent the end of darkness and the start of a new day. Maddy felt a deep sense of connection to the birds, as if they were signaling the start of her own personal dawn.

      This example illustrates how using idiomatic language can add a layer of meaning and insight to a conversation or writing, as it reveals historical and cultural associations that enrich the reader's experience.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings" can be used to discourage someone from a specific action or to express joy and excitement.

    When used to discourage someone, it serves as a cautionary phrase to advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, suggesting that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. On the other hand, it can also be used to express happiness or excitement about something that is happening or about to happen.

    Overall, the idiom can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context in which it is used, but it generally conveys a sense of either caution or joy.

    Origin of "Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings"

    The idiom "Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings" originates from William Shakespeare's play "Cymbeline," specifically from a scene in Act 2, Scene 3. In this scene, the character Imogen is expressing her joy and excitement at the break of dawn, as she hears a lark singing at heaven's gate. The idiom has since been used to convey a sense of happiness or anticipation.

    Shakespeare's use of the idiom reflects the beauty and wonder of nature, as well as the joy and excitement that can be derived from it. Over time, the phrase has become a part of the English language, used to express similar feelings of happiness and excitement in various contexts.