Conclusion
“As deaf as a post” is a common phrase that is used to describe someone who is completely deaf or has a significant hearing impairment. This phrase is often used in a humorous way, but it can also be used in a more serious context when discussing hearing loss or deafness. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of “as deaf as a post.”
Definitions
The phrase “as deaf as a post” is an idiom that means someone is completely deaf or has a significant hearing impairment. The term “post” in this context refers to a wooden post that is used in construction or fencing. The idea behind the phrase is that a wooden post is completely unable to hear anything, just like someone who is completely deaf.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “as deaf as a post” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The phrase was first recorded in print in 1620 in a book by John Florio called “A Worlde of Wordes.” The phrase may have been influenced by the fact that wooden posts were often used as supports for buildings and were therefore thought to be completely unresponsive to sound.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “as deaf as a post” is recognized in most dictionaries as an idiom that means someone is completely deaf or has a significant hearing impairment. Some dictionaries also note that the phrase is often used in a humorous way.
Associations
The phrase “as deaf as a post” is often associated with hearing loss and deafness. It is also associated with the idea of being completely unresponsive to sound.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “as deaf as a post” include “stone deaf,” “completely deaf,” and “unable to hear anything.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “as deaf as a post” would include “having perfect hearing,” “able to hear everything,” and “having no hearing impairment.”
The same root words
The phrase “as deaf as a post” does not have any root words, as it is an idiom. However, the word “deaf” comes from the Old English word “deaf” which means “unable to hear.”
Example Sentences
- “I tried to talk to him, but he was as deaf as a post.”
- “My grandfather is as deaf as a post, so we have to communicate with him using sign language.”
- “She turned up the volume on the TV, but her father was still as deaf as a post.”
“As deaf as a post” is a common phrase that is used to describe someone who is completely deaf or has a significant hearing impairment. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The phrase is often associated with hearing loss and deafness and is recognized in most dictionaries as an idiom. While the phrase is often used in a humorous way, it can also be used in a more serious context when discussing hearing loss or deafness.