HIGH NOON Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "high noon" refers to a specific point in time, usually around midday when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is a colloquialism that has its roots in the American Wild West and carries connotations of tension, danger, and confrontation. Describing an often dramatic moment, high noon symbolizes the peak of a conflict or a decisive moment when something important is expected to occur.
Originating from the tradition of duels during the 19th century, high noon typically represents the agreed-upon time for adversaries to meet and engage in a face-off, such as a gunfight. The phrase further signifies the intensity and heightened stakes of the confrontation, as the bright, direct sunlight casts no shadows, leaving no room for stealth or deception.
Beyond its literal interpretation, high noon has also become a metaphorical expression used in various contexts. It signifies conditions of extreme pressure or scrutiny, indicating a time when individuals or groups are driven to take decisive action or make crucial choices. The term is often employed in political and business contexts, emphasizing the critical point at which opposing forces clash and a resolution must be reached.
Overall, high noon encapsulates a moment of climax that demands courage, resolve, and quick thinking, evoking a sense of urgency and potential danger.
-
The exact meridian or mid-day.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HIGH NOON
- gigh noon
- bigh noon
- nigh noon
- jigh noon
- uigh noon
- yigh noon
- hugh noon
- hjgh noon
- hkgh noon
- hogh noon
- h9gh noon
- h8gh noon
- hifh noon
- hivh noon
- hibh noon
- hihh noon
- hiyh noon
- hith noon
- higg noon
Etymology of HIGH NOON
The term "high noon" is derived from the combination of two separate elements.
Firstly, "high" refers to the positioning of the sun in the sky at its highest altitude, indicating the peak or zenith of its ascent. This is often perceived as a time of maximum energy, brightness, and intensity.
Secondly, "noon" originally comes from the Old English term "non", meaning the ninth hour of daylight, which was approximately midday. The word "noon" itself comes from the Latin "nona hora", meaning the ninth hour as per the Roman system of dividing the day into 12 hours starting from sunrise.
So, when combined, "high noon" represents the time of day when the sun is at its highest point above the horizon, typically around midday or precisely 12 o'clock noon.
Idioms with the word HIGH NOON
-
high noon
"High noon" refers to the time of day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, around 12 o'clock noon. This term is often used figuratively to describe a critical moment or a decisive confrontation where a decision or action must be taken.
Similar spelling words for HIGH NOON
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
