‘Deaf as a Doornail’ Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Evolution & Exercise!
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Deaf as a doornail – Idiom of the Day
Introduction: Deaf as a Doornail
The idiom “deaf as a doornail” is used to describe someone who is completely unable to hear. This colorful phrase, with roots in old English literature, vividly emphasizes total deafness. Understanding and using idioms like this one can enhance your language skills, particularly in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections, where the use of varied expressions can demonstrate a higher level of proficiency and creativity.
Meaning:
Used to mock someone that they are nearly deaf.
History:
History dates back to the 13th century. In those days, carpenters used a doornail for placing doors. Once the door nail is bent at the ends and secured, any additional carpentry work will not have any effect on it . There are also references to the idiom being used in 1546. The idiom is also used in an American story published in 1917.
Are you eager to unravel the colorful tapestry of idioms? Dive into a Collection of Captivating Idioms here!
Idiom scenarios:
Scenario 1:
Help – Desk : Hello, Natasha, here. How may I help you?
Customer ( feebly) : I want to book a flight to Paris.
Friend 1: I can barely hear you
Friend 2( feebly again) : I want to book a flight to Paris.
Help – Desk ( angrily) : I’m deaf as a doornail. Can you be louder, please?
Scenario 2:
Wife : Here is the brochure of the latest diamond jewellery
Husband seems disinterested.
Wife’s friend : I think he didn’t hear you.
Wife : He is deaf as a doornail
Scenario 3:
Air Hostess 1: Would you like to have a drink ?
Passenger ( in a flight): Does not reply. Engrossed in a book
Air hostess 2: I think he is deaf as a doornail
Examples:
Today, “deaf as a doornail” is commonly used in everyday speech of IELTS Speaking part 1, IELTS Speaking part 2, and IELTS writing informal letters. Some examples of how it’s typically employed:
Go through the examples to understand the usage of the idiom:
1. The waitress was tired of repeating the menu over and over again. She thought that the customer was deaf as a doornail.
2. The lawyer argued fiercely. But the judge seemed deaf as a doornail.
3. Sarah became deaf as a doornail because of the bomb blast.
Conclusion
Understanding idioms like “deaf as a doornail” enriches your grasp of the English language and can significantly boost your performance in the IELTS exam. Using such idiomatic expressions effectively in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections can showcase your language proficiency, creativity, and command over nuanced expressions. Proper use of idioms like this can demonstrate your proficiency and add color to your language, therefore helping you achieve a high IELTS band score in these modules.
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Also Check:
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