The English language is rich in idioms, phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. One such idiom is “three score and ten,” which has been used for centuries to refer to the age of 70 years old. This expression may seem archaic, but it still finds use in modern times.
To begin with, let us delve into the history of “three score and ten.” It originated from a biblical verse found in Psalm 90:10 which states that “the days of our years are threescore years and ten.” In simpler terms, this means that humans can expect to live up to 70 years before they pass away.
Over time, this phrase became commonly used in literature as well as everyday speech. It was often employed as a way to describe someone who had reached an advanced age or when referring to life expectancy. Today, while people may not use the exact phrase “three score and ten” as much anymore, they still understand what it signifies.
As society changes so does language; however idioms like “three score and ten” continue to resonate with people because they reflect shared cultural experiences across generations. They serve as reminders of our past while also providing context for present-day conversations.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “three score and ten”
The Origin of Score
The word “score” was commonly used in Old English as a way to denote twenty. Therefore, three score would mean sixty. This usage dates back to at least the 14th century when Chaucer wrote about it in his works. Over time, this expression evolved into an idiom that became synonymous with counting by twenties.
Biblical Significance
In the Bible, Psalm 90:10 states: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” This verse refers to the lifespan of humans being around seventy years on average. It is believed that this biblical reference contributed significantly to popularizing the use of “three score and ten” as an idiomatic expression.
- In Ancient Greece, seventy was considered a significant number because it represented completeness.
- In Hinduism, there are 70 Maha Rishis or great sages mentioned in Vedic literature.
- In Islam, Prophet Muhammad’s life spanned exactly 63 lunar years which equates roughly to 60 solar years or three scores.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “three score and ten”
The idiom “three score and ten” has been used for centuries to describe a person’s age. It is an old-fashioned way of saying “70 years old”. However, this phrase has also been used in various other contexts, such as literature, music, and even politics.
In literature, “three score and ten” is often used to describe the lifespan of a character or an entire generation. For example, William Shakespeare wrote in Sonnet 12: “And see the brave day sunk in hideous night; When I behold the violet past prime, And sable curls all silvered o’er with white; When lofty trees I see barren of leaves Which erst from heat did canopy the herd And summer’s green all girded up in sheaves Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard Then of thy beauty do I question make That thou among the wastes of time must go Since sweets and beauties do themselves forsake And die as fast as they see others grow And nothing ‘gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed to brave him when he takes thee hence.” Here Shakespeare uses “three score and ten” to refer to a person’s natural lifespan.
In music, there are several songs that use this idiom. One famous example is Bob Dylan’s song “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”, which includes the line: “I saw a newborn
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “three score and ten”
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for “three score and ten” that indicate an advanced age or a long life. One such phrase is “four score,” which refers to eighty years old. Another synonym is “long in the tooth,” which alludes to horses whose teeth grow longer as they age. Similarly, people’s gums recede as they get older, making their teeth appear longer.
Antonyms
While “three score and ten” implies a lengthy lifespan, there are several antonyms that suggest a shorter one. For example, the phrase “in the prime of life” indicates youthfulness or vitality rather than old age. Similarly, terms like “short-lived,” “fleeting,” or even simply saying someone died young can be used as antonyms for longevity-related idioms.
Cultural Insights:
Different cultures have varying attitudes towards aging and death that shape their idiomatic expressions about these topics. In some cultures, reaching an advanced age is seen as an achievement worthy of respect; hence idioms like “ripe old age” are used positively to describe those who live long lives. In contrast, other cultures view death as a natural part of life; therefore phrases like “passed away” are preferred over more euphemistic ones like “gone to a better place.”
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “three score and ten”
In order to fully grasp the meaning of the idiom “three score and ten”, it is important to practice using it in various contexts. Below are some practical exercises that can help you become more familiar with this phrase.
Exercise 1: Writing Sentences
Write five sentences using the idiom “three score and ten” in different ways. Try to use synonyms for “years old” or “age” instead of repeating those phrases. For example:
- I met a man who was three score and ten years old.
- The woman celebrating her birthday had reached three score and ten.
- The grandfather, at three score and ten, still enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.
- After living for three score and ten years, she had many stories to share.
- The wise elder imparted his knowledge gained from three score and ten years of experience.
Exercise 2: Conversation Practice
Practice having conversations with others where you incorporate the idiom “three score and ten”. You can ask questions such as:
- What do you think life will be like when you reach three score and ten?
- Do you know anyone who has lived past three score and ten?
- In your opinion, what are some benefits of reaching three score and ten?
By practicing these exercises, you will become more comfortable using the idiom “three score and ten” in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “three score and ten”
When using idioms, it is important to understand their meaning and usage in context. The idiom “three score and ten” is no exception. However, there are common mistakes that people make when using this phrase.
- Mistake 1: Misunderstanding the Meaning
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Usage in Sentences
- Mistake 3: Overusing the Idiom
The first mistake people make when using the idiom “three score and ten” is misunderstanding its meaning. This phrase refers to a person’s age of seventy years old. It comes from the Bible where it says, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten.” Therefore, it should only be used when referring to someone’s age.
The second mistake people make is incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying “I have three score and ten apples” would be incorrect because this idiom only refers to a person’s age. Instead, you could say something like “I have seventy apples.”
The third mistake people make is overusing the idiom in conversation or writing. While it can add color to your language use, overusing any idiom can become tedious for your audience.