“(As) sober as a judge” is a common phrase that is used to describe someone who is completely sober and in control of their actions. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of this phrase, as well as its associations and synonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “(as) sober as a judge” means that someone is completely sober and in control of their actions. It is often used to describe someone who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The phrase can also be used to describe someone who is serious and focused, rather than being lighthearted or humorous.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(as) sober as a judge” is not entirely clear. Some historians believe that the phrase may have originated in the 17th century, when judges were expected to be completely sober and in control of their actions while presiding over court cases. Others believe that the phrase may have originated in the 19th century, when judges were known for their serious and focused demeanor.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase “(as) sober as a judge” means “completely sober and in control of one’s actions.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the phrase as “not drunk or affected by alcohol.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines the phrase as “completely serious and not at all humorous.”
Associations
The phrase “(as) sober as a judge” is often associated with the legal system and the judiciary. It is also associated with sobriety and being in control of one’s actions. The phrase is sometimes used in a humorous or ironic way, particularly when describing someone who is not known for being serious or focused.
Synonyms
Synonyms for the phrase “(as) sober as a judge” include “completely sober,” “not under the influence,” “serious,” and “focused.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for the phrase “(as) sober as a judge” include “drunk,” “intoxicated,” “unfocused,” and “distracted.”
The same root words
The phrase “(as) sober as a judge” does not have any root words, as it is a common idiom.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the phrase “(as) sober as a judge”:
- After a night of heavy drinking, John woke up feeling as sober as a judge.
- The judge presiding over the trial was as sober as a judge and completely impartial.
- Despite the chaos around her, Sarah remained as sober as a judge and focused on the task at hand.
- When he’s in a serious mood, Tom can be as sober as a judge.
The phrase “(as) sober as a judge” is a common idiom that is used to describe someone who is completely sober and in control of their actions. The phrase is often associated with the legal system and the judiciary, and it can be used in a serious or humorous way. Understanding the meaning and origins of this phrase can help us to use it more effectively in our writing and conversations.