- 1940 February 19, Evening Independent, page 11:
- Martha Taft is sure that "Bob is going to get it." She is ready to answer questions in regular stump style, though she refuses to say whether she will change the drawing-room drapes in the White House.
- (premature celebration of victory): measure the curtains
The Origins of “Measure the Drapes”
Like many idioms, “measure the drapes” has murky origins. However, it is generally believed to have originated in American politics. During election campaigns, candidates often make bold statements about their future plans for office. Some may even go so far as to start planning out their new living quarters before they have won! The idea behind measuring drapes is that it’s premature to plan for something that hasn’t happened yet.
Usage and Meaning
Today, “measure the drapes” is used more broadly than just in political contexts. It can be used whenever someone appears overly confident or presumptuous about a future event or outcome. For example, if someone starts making plans for a party before they’ve even been invited, you might say they’re measuring the drapes.
In essence, this idiom serves as a reminder not to get ahead of oneself or assume too much about what’s going to happen next. While it may seem like harmless fun to start planning your victory speech before you’ve won an election (or your party before you’ve received an invitation), doing so can come across as arrogant or presumptuous.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “measure the drapes”
The phrase “measure the drapes” is a common idiom used to describe someone who is overly confident or presumptuous about an upcoming event or situation. It implies that the person is already planning for their victory before it has even happened, as if they are measuring out where they will hang their celebratory drapes.
While the exact origins of this idiom are unclear, it likely dates back several decades. The use of “drapes” instead of curtains suggests a more formal setting, perhaps in reference to political campaigns or other high-stakes events where candidates would be eager to claim victory.
In recent years, the phrase has become particularly associated with American politics, with pundits and commentators frequently using it to describe candidates who appear too confident in their chances of winning an election. However, its usage extends beyond politics and can be applied to any situation where someone seems prematurely certain of success.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “measure the drapes”
When it comes to expressing confidence or overconfidence in a future outcome, the idiom “measure the drapes” is often used. This phrase implies that someone is already planning for a certain event before it has even happened. While this idiom typically refers to political elections or sporting events, it can be applied to various situations where someone is overly confident about an outcome.
One variation of this idiom includes adding “in the Oval Office” at the end, which specifically references measuring curtains in the White House as a symbol of winning a presidential election. Another variation involves replacing “drapes” with other objects such as “trophy case”, “championship ring”, or any other item that represents success in a specific field.
This idiom can also be used sarcastically when someone is being overly confident about something that may not necessarily happen. For example, if someone says they are going to win the lottery and start planning their extravagant lifestyle before actually buying a ticket, one could respond with “better measure those drapes!”
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “measure the drapes”
Synonyms
“Measure the drapes” is an idiom that means to assume or act as if one has already won a competition or election before it has taken place. Some common synonyms for this phrase include “counting your chickens before they hatch”, “jumping the gun”, and “getting ahead of oneself”.
Antonyms
On the other hand, some antonyms for “measure the drapes” would be phrases like “keeping your feet on the ground”, “staying humble”, and “not counting your chickens before they hatch”. These phrases suggest caution and humility instead of overconfidence.
Cultural Insights:
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to American politics where candidates would often measure their office space in preparation for winning an election. However, measuring something as trivial as curtains before actually winning could come across as presumptuous and arrogant. This cultural context helps us understand why this idiom is used in situations where someone is being overly confident or presumptuous about a future event.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “measure the drapes”
Now that you have a better understanding of what the idiom “measure the drapes” means, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice! These practical exercises will help you use this idiom in everyday conversations and situations.
Exercise 1: Role Play
In pairs or small groups, act out a scenario where one person is overly confident about winning an upcoming competition or election. The other person can respond by saying something like:
“Don’t measure the drapes just yet.”
This will convey that they should not be too sure of their victory before it actually happens.
Exercise 2: Writing Practice
Write a short paragraph using the idiom “measure the drapes” in context. For example:
“I know you’re excited about your job interview tomorrow, but don’t start measuring the drapes just yet. It’s important to stay humble and focused on doing your best during the interview.”
You can also try using this idiom in emails, texts, or social media posts to practice incorporating it into your written communication.
Remember: Practice makes perfect! Keep using this idiomatic expression in various contexts until it becomes second nature to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “measure the drapes”
Avoid Misusing the Idiom
One of the most common mistakes people make when using this idiom is misusing it in context. “Measure the drapes” means to assume that something is going to happen before it actually does and start planning for it prematurely. For example, if someone says they’re already measuring the drapes for their new job before they’ve even been offered a position, they are assuming that they will get hired without any guarantee.
However, sometimes people use this expression incorrectly by simply referring to measuring actual curtains or blinds instead of making assumptions about future events. This mistake can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in communication.
Avoid Overusing the Idiom
Another common mistake is overusing this idiom in conversation or writing. While idioms can add color and flavor to language, too many of them can become tiresome and obscure your intended message.
Furthermore, overuse of an idiom like “measure the drapes” may cause your audience to tune out or miss other important points you are trying to convey. Therefore, it’s best practice not only to use idioms correctly but also sparingly.