We are a grandmother

Definitions

to emphasize that something is outdated or no longer relevant
to express that something is old-fashioned or obsolete
to indicate that something is incomplete or not fully developed
to suggest that something is still in the early stages and not yet mature or fully formed

Examples of We are a grandmother

His hobby is collecting rare books, and he takes great pride in the fact that his collection is considered one of the best in the country. In this context, we can say, "His hobby is a grandmother in terms of its scale and significance."

The idiom "We are a grandmother" means that something is very large or significant in comparison to other things. In the example, we are using the idiom to highlight the fact that the man's hobby is very significant and valuable, just like how a grandmother (who has seen and experienced many things in life) is significant to her family. The use of this idiom here underscores the extent to which the man's hobby has grown and the esteem in which it is held by others.
Despite being a small startup, the company's ideas have had a ripple effect on the industry, and many established players are now following suit. In this context, we can say, "Our company is a grandmother in terms of its influence."

Here, we are using the idiom to describe how the company's influence has grown significantly, to the point where it has become a leading force in the industry. Just as a grandmother's experience and knowledge can significantly impact her family, so too has the company's ideas and innovations affected the industry. This use of the idiom underscores the extent to which the company's influence has grown and the impact it has on others.
Her work as a teacher has had a profound impact on her students, shaping their lives and helping them realize their true potential. In this context, we can say, "Her work as a teacher is a grandmother in terms of its lasting impact."

Here, we are using the idiom to describe how the teacher's impact on her students' lives is significant and lasting, much like how a grandmother's influence on her family's lives continues even after she is gone. This use of the idiom underscores the extent to which the teacher's influence has grown and the impact it has on her students' futures.
The technology the company is developing will revolutionize the industry, and its success will pave the way for other companies to follow suit. In this context, we can say, "The technology that the company is developing is a grandmother in terms of its potential impact."

Here, we are using the idiom to describe how the technology's impact on the industry will be significant and lasting, much like how a grandmother's influence on her family continues even after she is gone. This use of the idiom underscores the extent to which the technology's impact will grow and the lasting impression it will leave on the industry. This expression is also used to highlight the potential of the technology, which is compared to the importance of a grandmother's assistance to her family.
She may not have any biological grandchildren yet, but the way she dotes on her nieces and nephews, she's definitely a "we are a grandmother" in their lives.

The idiom "we are a grandmother" means to be overly protective, caring, and nurturing towards someone who is not your biological grandchild. It suggests that the person has a deep, motherly or fatherly love towards that individual that is reminiscent of the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild.
The old car chugged along the road like a cranky grandfather, puttingtering and sputtering with each turn of the wheel.

This is an example of the idiom "like a cranky grandfather" being used to describe something that moves slowly and unreliably, just like an old, grumpy grandfather might move.
The new software update has been a real pain in the neck, causing more issues than it fixes.

This is an example of the idiom "a pain in the neck" being used to describe something that is causing a lot of inconvenience or frustration, as if it were literally causing pain in that area of the body.
She's a real diamond in the rough, with a talent for singing that nobody seems to recognize yet.

This is an example of the idiom "a diamond in the rough" being used to describe someone who has a hidden or undiscovered talent or potential, just like a diamond might be found hidden deep in an unassuming piece of rock.

Conclusion

The idiom "we are a grandmother" can be used to convey two main meanings. Firstly, it can be used to emphasize that something is outdated or no longer relevant. This can be used to express that something is old-fashioned or obsolete. Secondly, it can be used to indicate that something is incomplete or not fully developed, suggesting that something is still in the early stages and not yet mature or fully formed.

This idiom is often used in a lighthearted or humorous context to make a point about the age or outdated nature of something. It can also be used to playfully dismiss or downplay the importance of something by implying that it is no longer relevant or significant. In the case of indicating something as incomplete, it can be used to acknowledge that a project or idea is still in progress and has not reached its full potential.

Origin of "We are a grandmother"

The origin of the idiom "we are a grandmother" can be traced back to the idea of generations and the passing of time. The phrase likely originated from the traditional role of a grandmother as someone who is older and more experienced, with a connection to the past. By using this idiom, the speaker is able to make a comparison to something that is outdated or no longer relevant, much like the image of a grandmother in a modern context.

The idiom may have also evolved from the idea of a family tree, where the older generations represent the past and the younger generations represent the future. This concept of generations and the passage of time has likely contributed to the development of this idiom in the English language. Overall, "we are a grandmother" serves as a colorful and expressive way to convey the idea of something being outdated or incomplete. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, conversation, and popular culture.