Word for word

Definitions

• literal
  To repeat something exactly as it was said or written, without any changes or interpretation

• verbatim
  To quote or paraphrase something using the exact words and phrasing as the original

Examples of Word for word

• John's clothes were hanging in the closet like a I reference in August.

  This is an example of the idiom "like a I in January" being transformed into "like a I in August." In its original form, this idiom describes how nothing is happening or how everything is quiet. In this context, it is used to describe how John's clothes were still and motionless, as if August were a time when all activity comes to a standstill.

• The room was deathly quiet, not even a mouse could be heard stirring like a board after a thunderstorm.

  This idiom is a variation of "like a cat in gloves," which refers to a situation that is entirely unnatural or awkward. Here, it is used to describe silence that is so profound that it becomes palpable, like a board becoming a sounding board after being struck by a loud clap of thunder.

• I am feeling as green as grass after watching him perform his magic tricks.

  This idiom is an example of "green around the gills," meaning feeling ill or sickly. Here, however, the idiom is transformed into "green as grass" to illustrate how amazed and astounded I was by his skill, as if the sight of his sleight of hand made me feel as if I were a city park in springtime.

• Don't look now, but you're being watched like a hawk by your boss.

  This idiom describes a situation where someone is being closely observed or scrutinized, as though by a hawk eyeing its prey. Here, it is used to describe the situation where an employee is being carefully watched by their supervisor, as if they were being stalked by a prowling hawk.

• The thief's plan fell apart like a house of cards.

  This idiom means that the thief's plan quickly and unexpectedly failed, just as a house of cards collapses easily when even one card is removed.

• After the bad news, she felt like her world had come crashing down around her.

  This idiom means that she felt shocked and devastated, as if everything she knew and depended on had suddenly collapsed and left her feeling lost and disoriented.

• The wind had picked up and was blowing like stink.

  This idiom means that the wind was blowing very strongly and forcefully, like a particularly bad smell. It is often used to describe a strong or unpleasant smell, but in this case, it is being used humorously to describe something else (the wind) in a unusual way.

• He spends money like water.

  This idiom means that he spends a lot of money very quickly and easily, as if money were an unlimited resource, like water flowing without restriction. It is often used in a critical or disapproving way, to suggest that the person is spending money foolishly or excessively.

Conclusion

The idiom "word for word" is used to emphasize the exactness or precision of a statement or quotation. It can be used to convey the idea of repeating something without any alterations, or to highlight the verbatim nature of a quote or paraphrase.

Origin of "Word for word"

The origin of the idiom "word for word" can be traced back to the literal meaning of the words themselves. The use of "word for word" to describe the exact repetition of a statement or quotation dates back to the early 19th century. The idiom likely originated from the emphasis on the importance of each individual word in a written or spoken communication, highlighting the significance of preserving the original wording without any changes. Over time, the idiom has become a commonly used expression to convey the idea of precise repetition or verbatim quotation in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing.

Examples of the idiom "word for word" can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations, where individuals emphasize the exactness of their recollection or repetition of a particular statement or passage. The idiom has become a familiar and versatile phrase in the English language, reflecting the value placed on accuracy and fidelity in communication.