BECAME THREADBARE Meaning and
Definition
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"Became threadbare" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an item, typically a piece of clothing or fabric, that has become worn out and thin due to extensive use over time. This phrase is often used in a metaphorical sense to convey the idea that something has become worn, dilapidated, or exhausted.
In a literal sense, when an item such as clothing or fabric becomes threadbare, it means that the fabric has become thin to the extent that the individual threads are clearly visible, often leading to holes or tears. This can occur due to continuous use, frequent washing, or insufficient quality of the material. Medicine, for example, employs this term to describe worn-out surgical gloves or gauze that has lost its protective qualities due to extensive usage.
Metaphorically, when something "became threadbare," it implies that it has been used or repeated so frequently that its original effect or significance has faded or worn out. This can refer to various aspects of life, such as arguments, rhetoric, opinions, or excuses. Much like a piece of fabric, these ideas or expressions have been utilized to the point of appearing worn and no longer holding any weight or credibility. Consequently, the phrase "became threadbare" suggests that the underlying point or purpose has become stale, tired, or ineffective, leaving the wearers or users devoid of any profound impact or influence.
Common Misspellings for BECAME THREADBARE
- vecame threadbare
- necame threadbare
- hecame threadbare
- gecame threadbare
- bwcame threadbare
- bscame threadbare
- bdcame threadbare
- brcame threadbare
- b4came threadbare
- b3came threadbare
- bexame threadbare
- bevame threadbare
- befame threadbare
- bedame threadbare
- beczme threadbare
- becsme threadbare
- becwme threadbare
- becqme threadbare
- becane threadbare
- becake threadbare
- becamethreadbare
Etymology of BECAME THREADBARE
The phrase "became threadbare" consists of two parts: "became" and "threadbare".
The word "became" is the past tense of the verb "become". It originates from the Old English word "becuman", composed of "be-" (indicating completion or result) and "cuman" (meaning "to come"). Over time, "becuman" evolved into "becomen" in Middle English, before eventually turning into "became" in Modern English.
The term "threadbare" is an adjective formed by combining "thread" and "bare". "Thread" traces back to the Old English word "þrǣd", derived from the Proto-Germanic "thraido". "Bare" comes from Old English "bær", which is related to the Proto-Germanic "bazaz".
