The phrase "forever and a day" is commonly used to express the concept of eternity or a very long time. In phonetic transcription, it can be represented as /fəˈrɛvər ənd ə ˈdeɪ/. The sound /f/ represents the beginning of "forever," the schwa sound /ə/ is present in both "forever" and "and," the /v/ sound is heard in "forever," and the /r/ is pronounced in "forever" and "day." The word "day" is spelled as expected, with the diphthong /eɪ/ representing the long "a" sound.
The phrase "forever and a day" is an idiomatic expression that is often used metaphorically to emphasize an exceptionally long period of time. It suggests a vast and indefinite duration, surpassing the realm of normal human experience and perception.
As a dictionary definition, "forever and a day" can be described as a fixed idiom meaning an eternity or an extremely prolonged span of time. It is employed to emphasize the seemingly everlasting nature of an event, feeling, or situation. The phrase is typically used to underline the timelessness, permanence, or unending quality of a particular event or circumstance.
The origin of this expression can be traced back to Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew," wherein the character Christopher Sly, after being tricked into believing he is a nobleman, makes the remark, "I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape and bid me hold my peace. I'll speak to it—though it be to damnation." His statement indicates a willingness to speak forever, regardless of the consequences – thus suggesting an infinitesimally lengthy passage of time.
Overall, "forever and a day" is an idiom that conveys the concept of an immense, never-ending duration, setting itself apart from other expressions by emphasizing an extraordinary and seemingly limitless expanse of time.