The idiom “go out with the ark” is a phrase that has been used for many years in English language. It is an idiomatic expression that refers to something or someone being outdated, old-fashioned, or no longer relevant. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, where Noah built an enormous boat to save himself and his family from a great flood.
The phrase “go out with the ark” implies that something or someone is so old that it dates back to ancient times when Noah built his famous vessel. This means that it has become obsolete and irrelevant in modern times. The idiom can be used in various contexts, such as fashion, technology, music, and even relationships.
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| My grandfather still uses a typewriter; he’s really going out with the ark. |
| I can’t believe you still listen to CDs; they went out with the ark ages ago! |
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “go out with the ark”
The idiom “go out with the ark” is a phrase that has been used for centuries to describe something or someone that is outdated, old-fashioned, or obsolete. This expression has its roots in biblical times and refers to the story of Noah’s Ark.
According to the Bible, God instructed Noah to build an ark in order to save himself, his family, and all living creatures from a great flood that would cover the earth. Noah worked tirelessly on this project for many years until finally completing it. When he was finished, he gathered all of the animals two by two and loaded them onto the ark before setting sail.
The phrase “go out with the ark” comes from this story because it suggests that something or someone is so old or outdated that they were around during Noah’s time and could have gone on board his ark. In other words, if something goes out with the ark, it means it has been around for a very long time and is no longer relevant or useful in modern times.
Over time, this expression became more commonly used as a metaphorical way of describing things that are no longer fashionable or popular. For example, if someone says that bell-bottom jeans went out with the ark, they mean that these pants were trendy decades ago but are now considered outdated.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “go out with the ark”
The idiom “go out with the ark” is a colorful phrase that has been used for many years to describe something or someone that is old-fashioned, outdated, or no longer relevant. This expression is often used in a humorous way to poke fun at things that are considered obsolete or behind the times.
Variations of the Idiom
While “go out with the ark” is perhaps the most common variation of this idiom, there are other ways it can be expressed. For example, some people might say “as old as Methuselah,” which refers to a character from the Bible who lived to be 969 years old. Others might use phrases like “antique,” “prehistoric,” or “stone age” to convey a similar meaning.
Usage Examples
This idiom can be used in a variety of contexts. For instance, someone might say that an outdated computer program or piece of technology has gone out with the ark. Alternatively, they could use it to describe an elderly person who still clings to outdated customs and traditions.
Here are some examples:
- “I can’t believe you’re still using dial-up internet! That went out with the ark years ago.”
- “My grandfather insists on wearing his fedora everywhere he goes. He’s really going out with the ark.”
- “Why do we have this ancient fax machine taking up space in our office? It’s definitely time for it to go out with the ark.”
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “go out with the ark”
Some synonyms for “go out with the ark” include: be outdated, become obsolete, go extinct, die out. These expressions all convey a sense of something becoming irrelevant or no longer useful over time.
Antonyms for “go out with the ark” could be: stay relevant, remain current, keep up-to-date. These expressions imply that something is still useful and valuable in contemporary times.
Understanding cultural references can also shed light on an idiom’s meaning. In this case, “the ark” refers to Noah’s Ark from biblical mythology. The story goes that God instructed Noah to build an enormous boat to save himself and two of every animal species from a great flood that would destroy all life on Earth. Therefore, when someone says something has gone out with the ark they mean it is very old-fashioned or outdated.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “go out with the ark”
In order to fully grasp the meaning of the idiom “go out with the ark”, it is important to practice using it in various contexts. The following exercises will help you become more comfortable and confident in using this expression.
Exercise 1: Conversation Practice
Find a partner and engage in a conversation where you use the idiom “go out with the ark” at least three times. Try to incorporate it naturally into your dialogue, and make sure your partner understands its meaning.
Exercise 2: Writing Exercise
Write a short story or paragraph that includes the idiom “go out with the ark”. Be creative and try to use it in an interesting way. Share your writing with others and ask for feedback on how effectively you used the expression.
| Example Sentences: | “I can’t believe we’re still waiting for John, he’s going out with the ark!” “Don’t wait too long to start studying, or else you’ll be going out with the ark.” “We need to hurry up before all of our customers go out with the ark.” |
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The more practice you have using idioms like “go out with the ark”, the easier they will be to understand and incorporate into your everyday language. Keep practicing and soon enough, these expressions will become second nature!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “go out with the ark”
When using idioms in conversation or writing, it is important to understand their meaning and usage. The idiom “go out with the ark” is no exception. This phrase refers to something that is outdated or old-fashioned, often used in reference to clothing or technology.
However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using this idiom. One mistake is using it incorrectly in a sentence, such as saying “I love your outfit, but it’s going out with the ark.” This implies that the outfit is outdated when it may actually be fashionable.
Another mistake is overusing this idiom and relying on it too heavily in conversation. It can become repetitive and lose its impact if used too frequently.
It’s also important to avoid using this idiom in a derogatory manner towards someone else’s choices or preferences. Everyone has different tastes and styles, and what may be considered old-fashioned to one person may be trendy to another.