HIGHLY STRUNG Meaning and
Definition
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"Highly strung" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an individual who is extremely sensitive, easily affected by stress or pressure and tends to react strongly to small or trivial matters. This term is typically used to refer to someone who is prone to emotional or nervous tension.
The phrase "highly strung" stems from the concept of a tightly strung musical instrument, such as a guitar or violin, where excessive tension in the strings can cause them to break if too much pressure is applied. Similarly, individuals who are considered highly strung often experience a heightened intensity of emotions and may feel overwhelmed by even minor difficulties or challenges in their lives.
People who are highly strung may exhibit symptoms of anxiety, including restlessness, irritability, and excessive worrying. Their emotional responses may be exaggerated, causing them to react impulsively or become easily upset in various situations. They may also have difficulty relaxing or unwinding, as their heightened sensitivity makes it challenging for them to find solace and calmness.
It is important to note that being highly strung is not an inherent flaw or weakness, but rather a personal characteristic that varies from individual to individual. Understanding and acknowledging one's own disposition can help in managing stress levels and finding appropriate coping mechanisms to lead a more balanced and composed life.
Common Misspellings for HIGHLY STRUNG
- gighly strung
- bighly strung
- nighly strung
- jighly strung
- uighly strung
- yighly strung
- hughly strung
- hjghly strung
- hkghly strung
- hoghly strung
- h9ghly strung
- h8ghly strung
- hifhly strung
- hivhly strung
- hibhly strung
- hihhly strung
- hiyhly strung
- hithly strung
- higgly strung
Etymology of HIGHLY STRUNG
The phrase "highly strung" is primarily of British English origin and is used to describe someone who is nervous, easily agitated, or overly sensitive. Its etymology can be traced to the world of musical instruments, specifically stringed instruments such as pianos, violins, and guitars.
The term "strung" refers to the strings of the instrument, which need to be stretched tightly and correctly tuned in order to produce the desired sounds. When the strings of a musical instrument are too tight, they become highly strung. This condition makes the instrument more prone to sensitivity and responsiveness, so even a slight touch or disturbance can cause it to produce a sound.
In analogy to this musical context, the term "highly strung" began to be used metaphorically to describe individuals who are excessively responsive or easily triggered in a similar manner to a tightly strung instrument.
