- (to pursue someone with romantic intentions): court, make love, romance; woo
The Meaning of “chase after”
The phrase “chase after” means to pursue something or someone with great effort and determination. It implies that the person doing the chasing is actively seeking out what they desire, whether it’s a physical object or an abstract concept like success or happiness.
The Usage of “chase after”
“Chase after” can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing romantic pursuits to career aspirations. For example, you might say that you’re chasing after your dream job or chasing after a potential partner who seems uninterested. In each case, the phrase conveys a sense of urgency and persistence.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “chase after”
The phrase “chase after” is a commonly used idiom in English language that refers to pursuing something or someone relentlessly. This expression has been in use for centuries and its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The phrase was first recorded in writing during the 16th century, but it is believed to have been used orally long before that.
The historical context of this idiom can be found in various literary works from different cultures. For example, in Greek mythology, the god Zeus was known for chasing after women who caught his eye. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was famous for his romantic pursuits and chasing after his beloved Radha.
In literature, this idiom has been used by many famous writers throughout history. Shakespeare often used the phrase “to chase after” in his plays such as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In modern literature too, authors continue to use this expression to convey the idea of relentless pursuit.
Apart from its literary usage, this idiom has also found its way into everyday conversations and is commonly used by people all over the world. It is often employed when talking about romantic pursuits or career goals.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “chase after”
The idiom “chase after” is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of pursuing something or someone. This idiomatic expression has several variations, each with its own unique meaning and usage.
Variation 1: Chase After Dreams
One common variation of this idiom is “chase after dreams.” This phrase is often used to encourage someone to pursue their aspirations and goals relentlessly. It suggests that achieving success requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Variation 2: Chase After Love
“Chasing after love” is another popular variation of this idiom. In this context, it refers to the pursuit of romantic relationships or trying to win over someone’s affection. It implies that love requires effort and persistence.
| Variation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Chase After Dreams | Pursuing aspirations and goals relentlessly. | “If you want to achieve your dreams, you have to chase after them.” |
| Chase After Love | The pursuit of romantic relationships or trying to win over someone’s affection. | “He spent months chasing after her before she finally agreed to go out with him.” |
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “chase after”
Some synonyms for “chase after” include: pursue, follow, hunt down, track down, go after, run after. These words all convey a sense of actively seeking out something or someone. On the other hand, some antonyms for “chase after” might include: give up on, abandon pursuit of, let go of. These words suggest a lack of effort or interest in continuing to pursue something.
Cultural insights related to the use of this idiom vary depending on the context and region. In American culture specifically, there is often an emphasis placed on pursuing one’s goals with determination and persistence – hence why idioms like “chase after” are so common in everyday language. In contrast, some cultures may place more value on letting things come naturally rather than aggressively chasing them.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “chase after”
1. Fill in the blanks:
– She always ____________ her dreams.
– He spent years ____________ fame.
– The cat was ____________ the mouse around the house.
2. Match the sentences:
a) I’m tired of chasing after him.
b) Don’t chase after money, chase after happiness.
c) She’s been chasing after that promotion for months.
i) Pursuing something relentlessly
ii) Stop pursuing someone or something
iii) Pursue what truly matters
3. Use “chase after” in a sentence:
– ___________________ can be exhausting and may not lead to true fulfillment.
– My friend has been ___________________ his crush for months now.
By completing these exercises, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to use “chase after” in context. Keep practicing and soon enough, this idiom will become second nature to you!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “chase after”
When using idioms in English, it is important to understand their meanings and usage. The idiom “chase after” is no exception. However, even when you think you know what an idiom means, there are common mistakes that can trip you up.
One mistake is using “chase after” too literally. This idiom does not refer to physically chasing someone or something. Instead, it means to pursue or seek something that may be difficult or impossible to attain.
Another mistake is using “chase after” in the wrong context. This idiom is typically used in situations where a person is pursuing a goal or desire that may be out of reach. It would not make sense to use this phrase when talking about physical exercise or running errands.
A third mistake is overusing the idiom “chase after”. While idioms can add color and interest to language, using them excessively can become tiresome for listeners or readers. It’s important to vary your language and avoid relying on one particular expression too heavily.