CARRY TUNE Meaning and
Definition
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Carry tune, often used in the idiom "cannot carry a tune," refers to an individual's ability or inability to sing or reproduce a melody accurately and in tune. It denotes a person's proficiency in vocalizing musical notes and maintaining the correct pitch. When someone can carry a tune, it means they have the skill to sing a melody with accuracy and consistency, staying on key throughout the song or musical performance.
When a person cannot carry a tune, it implies that they lack this ability to sing accurately and melodically. They may consistently sing off-key, have difficulty staying in tune, or struggle to reproduce a melody correctly. This phrase is commonly used to describe individuals who have a poor sense of pitch or lack the ability to match their voice with the right musical notes.
The idiom "cannot carry a tune" can be used playfully or jokingly to poke fun at someone's singing skills, particularly if they consistently sing off-key or poorly. It effectively conveys the idea that singing ability varies among individuals, with some naturally talented at reproducing melodies while others may struggle to do so.
Etymology of CARRY TUNE
The phrase "carry a tune" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words.
"Carry" comes from the Old Northern French word "carier", meaning "to carry" or "to transport". It ultimately originated from the Latin word "carrus", referring to a wheeled vehicle.
"Tune" is derived from the Old English word "tune" or "ton", which meant "a musical note" or "sound". It is believed to have come from the Gothic word "tuna", meaning "sound" or "tone".
When these two words are combined, the phrase "carry a tune" means to accurately produce or sing the correct notes and melodies of a song.
