PhrasesHub

Here lies one whose name is writ in water

    Definitions

      • impermanence
        Reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame or recognition, emphasizing the transient nature of a person's legacy or impact

      • forgotten or unappreciated
        Describing someone who is not remembered or recognized for their contributions or achievements, often used in a poetic or literary context

    Examples of Here lies one whose name is writ in water

    • The once-promising tech startup, now facing intense competition and declining profits, has become a cautionary tale for investors. Its CEO's bold predictions and aggressive marketing strategies have left observers questioning their credibility, and some are already writing the company's name in water.

      This idiom, "Here lies one whose name is writ in water," is a figurative phrase that describes something that is destined to fail or have little lasting value. In this context, it is used to suggest that the company's reputation and viability are quickly evaporating, leaving skepticism and uncertainty in its wake. The phrase "written in water" is derived from the idea of writing in sand, which would be easily erased by the wind or tide. By applying this image to a company's name, the speaker is implying that its fate is similarly ephemeral, subject to the whims of market forces and outside forces beyond its control.

    • The company's latest marketing campaign has proven to be a complete failure. It's like "Here lies one whose name is writ in water."

      This idiom is used to describe something that is doomed to fail or is utterly pointless. Just like the phrase "Here lies one whose name is writ in water," signifies that even the name of the person buried will be forgotten, this idiom suggests that the failed marketing campaign will leave no positive impact or lasting legacy on the company's reputation.

    • The stock prices of this company have been plummeting for weeks. It's as if "Here lies one whose name is writ in water."

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where things are falling apart and there seems to be no hope for recovery. Just like the phrase "Here lies one whose name is writ in water," signifies that the person buried would be forgotten over time, this idiom serves as a metaphor for a failing company whose prospects seem bleak and uncertain.

    • The plot twist in the novel was so predictable that it felt like "Here lies one whose name is writ in water."

      This idiom is used to describe something that is obvious or unsurprising, lacking any hint of mystery or suspense. Just like the phrase "Here lies one whose name is writ in water," suggests that the person buried would be soon forgotten, this idiom indicates that the plot twist in the novel was so clichéd and unoriginal that it failed to generate any excitement or surprise among the readers.

    • The speaker's arguments were so weak that they fell flat like "Here lies one whose name is writ in water."

      This idiom is used to describe an unconvincing or ineffective argument that fails to persuade the audience. Just like the phrase "Here lies one whose name is writ in water," highlights that the person buried would be forgotten, this idiom indicates that the speaker's arguments were so feeble and unconvincing that they failed to leave any lasting impact on the audience.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Here lies one whose name is writ in water" is used to convey the idea of impermanence and the fleeting nature of fame or recognition. It can also be used to describe someone who is forgotten or unappreciated, particularly in a poetic or literary context.

    Origin of "Here lies one whose name is writ in water"

    The phrase "Here lies one whose name is writ in water" comes from the epitaph on the gravestone of English Romantic poet John Keats. Keats wrote this line himself as a reflection on the transient nature of life and the impermanence of fame. The phrase is often interpreted as a contemplation on the ephemeral nature of human existence and the fleeting nature of recognition and legacy. It has since become a well-known idiom used to convey similar sentiments about impermanence and the transient nature of fame and recognition.