Monday, June 8, 2009

MEANINGFUL PHRASES - 4






To Gird One's Loins

Throughout the ancient civilized world, men and women alike wore flowing clothing. When this drapery got in the way of the work, it could be raised and bound in a belt or sash, hence the biblical phrase "to gird one's loins." meaning to get ready for work.



Throwing a Sop to Cerberus

Cerberus was a three-headed dog that guarded the entrance of the lower world and growled at newcomers. A few of the mythological heroes like Hercules, Theseus, and Aeneas wanted to visit the lower world. and return from it. They had to get by Cerberus. Aeneas did it by throwing Cerberus a drugged honey cake that put the dog to sleep. Throwing a sop to Cerberus means making a conciliatory offering to someone who may cause trouble.


2 comments:

Bore said...

Very interesting phrases!

Jose said...

Wa ako alam diyan sa mythology at mga phrases-phrases ek ek na yan!