HORNS Meaning and
Definition
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Horns, in their literal sense, are hard, pointed, bony structures that extend from the head of certain animals. They typically consist of a core of bone tissue that is covered by a sheath of keratin, making them extremely durable. Horns are primarily found in animals belonging to the Bovidae family, such as cows, sheep, goats, and antelopes. These structures serve various purposes, depending on the species. In many cases, their main functions include defense against predators, competition for mates, and display of dominance.
Metaphorically, the term "horns" can also refer to a wide range of meanings. It is often used to describe the sharp or pointed projections of objects resembling actual horns. For instance, the horns of a dilemma represent the two difficult choices or options that someone must choose between. Similarly, the phrase "locking horns" implies engaging in a heated argument or conflict with someone.
Moreover, the term "horn" is associated with musical instruments, specifically brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones, which produce sound by the vibration of air within a metal tube. The word "horn" is also used to describe loud and harsh sounds made by animals, such as a horn of a car or a ship.
Overall, whether referring to literal animal appendages, metaphorical projections, musical instruments, or sounds, the term "horns" encompasses a wide range of meanings and contexts.
Top Common Misspellings for HORNS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HORNS
Etymology of HORNS
The word "horns" has a rich etymology that dates back to Old English and beyond. Here is a breakdown of its origins:
1. Old English: In Old English, the word for "horn" was "horn", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hurnaz".
2. Proto-Germanic: "Hurnaz" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ḱer-", meaning "horn" or "head".
3. Proto-Indo-European: The widespread root "*ḱer-" gave rise to various cognates in different Indo-European languages. For instance, in Latin, it became "cornu", meaning "horn". This root also led to the Greek word "keras", which carries the same meaning.
4. Cultural significance: Throughout history, horns have held cultural and symbolic significance in many societies.
Idioms with the word HORNS
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lock horns
To "lock horns" is an idiom that means to engage in a dispute, argument, or conflict, often characterized by strong opposition or disagreement between two or more parties. It is often used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are in conflict, confrontational, or fiercely competing with each other. The term originates from the behavior of animals like deer or goats that use their horns to clash or fight each other during territorial disputes.
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show (one's) horns
The idiom "show (one's) horns" means to reveal or display one's true nature, often in an aggressive or confrontational manner. It refers to unveiling one's fierce or angry side, akin to how a bull would display its horns in a threatening posture. It can signify challenging or asserting oneself, particularly in a situation where one's strength, determination, or aggression may be necessary.
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wear the horns
The idiom "wear the horns" is typically used to describe someone who is being cheated on or betrayed by their romantic partner. It symbolizes being in a state of cuckoldry, with the horns representing the humiliation and betrayal associated with infidelity.
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take the bull by its horns
The idiom "take the bull by its horns" means to confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and with confidence, without hesitation or fear. It implies taking control and tackling the problem head-on rather than avoiding or procrastinating.
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draw in horns and pull in horns
To "draw in horns" or "pull in horns" is an idiom that means to restrain or hold back from expressing oneself aggressively or assertively. It refers to the action of a threatened or intimidated animal retracting its horns in order to appear less threatening. In the context of human behavior, it suggests temporarily suppressing one's assertiveness, aggression, or strong opinions in the face of confrontation, conflict, or potential danger. It signifies a desire to avoid or deescalate a situation rather than exacerbating it.
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take the bull by the horns
The idiom "take the bull by the horns" means to confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and with courage, taking control and responsibility for resolving it. It suggests facing a problem head-on, rather than avoiding or ignoring it.
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grab the bull by the horns
The idiom "grab the bull by the horns" means to confront or tackle a difficult or challenging situation head-on with confidence and determination. It implies taking control and immediate action in facing a problem rather than hesitating or avoiding it.
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on the horns of a dilemma
The idiom "on the horns of a dilemma" refers to a situation where a person is faced with having to choose between two difficult or challenging options. It conveys a feeling of being trapped or caught between two equally undesirable choices.
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lock horns (with sb)
The idiom "lock horns (with someone)" means to have a heated argument or engage in a conflict with someone, usually due to a disagreement or difference of opinion. It implies a confrontational and intense interaction, where both parties are stubbornly holding their ground and unwilling to back down.
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draw in your horns
The idiom "draw in your horns" means to become more cautious, reserved, or restrained in order to avoid trouble or confrontation. It can also refer to retracting or scaling back one's ambitions, actions, or behavior in response to a setback or difficulty. The phrase is often used to describe the act of toning down one's assertiveness or aggression in order to avoid conflict or negative consequences.
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draw/pull in your horns
The idiom "draw/pull in your horns" means to become less aggressive, assertive, or confrontational, especially in response to a difficult or confrontational situation. It refers to the idea of retracting or reducing displays of aggression or dominance, similar to how a bull would pull in its horns when ceasing to charge or attack.
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be on the horns of a dilemma
The idiom "be on the horns of a dilemma" means to be faced with a difficult choice between two equally challenging or undesirable options. It refers to being in a situation where there are two conflicting choices, and both options can have negative consequences or outcomes.
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hair and hide(, horns and tallow)
The idiom "hair and hide, horns and tallow" refers to the complete physical body or entirety of an animal, particularly in reference to hunting or butchering. It implies capturing or obtaining the entire animal, including the valuable parts such as the meat, skin, and various other useful components.
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lock horns (with sm)
The idiom "lock horns (with someone)" means to engage in a heated argument, dispute, or confrontation with someone. It implies a strong and direct clash of opposing ideas or opinions, often resulting in a tense or confrontational situation.
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draw in (one's) horns
The idiom "draw in one's horns" means to restrain or reduce one's aggressive or assertive behavior, often in response to a difficult or unfavorable situation. It suggests pulling back or withdrawing from a confrontation or conflict, and adopting a more cautious or defensive approach.
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mess with the bull and you get the horns
The idiom "mess with the bull and you get the horns" means that if someone chooses to provoke or challenge a powerful or dangerous entity, they should be prepared to face the consequences or adverse reactions that result from their actions.
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horns of a dilemma, on the
The idiom "horns of a dilemma" refers to a situation where one is faced with two equally difficult or undesirable choices. It highlights the feeling of being caught between two conflicting options, similar to a person being caught between the horns of a charging animal.
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draw/pull your horns in
The idiom "draw/pull your horns in" means to become more cautious, reserved, or less assertive in order to avoid conflict, criticism, or attention. It refers to the practice of retracting or hiding one's metaphorical horns, which are often associated with aggression or assertiveness. It implies a change in behavior to become more subdued, submissive, or less noticeable in challenging or unfavorable circumstances.
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the horns of a dilemma
The idiom "the horns of a dilemma" refers to being faced with a difficult choice between two equally undesirable options or outcomes. It implies feeling trapped or caught in a situation where no matter which decision is made, there will be negative consequences.
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draw in horns
The idiom "draw in horns" typically means to exhibit caution or adopt a more reserved and cautious approach in order to avoid confrontation or conflict. It can also refer to someone becoming more humble or less aggressive in their behavior. The phrase "draw in horns" is derived from the imagery of a bull retracting or pulling back its horns as a defensive measure.
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draw in one's horns and pull in one's horns
The idiom "draw in one's horns" or "pull in one's horns" refers to a person's decision or action to become more cautious, reserved, or less assertive, usually in response to a difficult or unfavorable situation. It metaphorically implies retracting the metaphorical horns, representing a person's guarded or reduced behavior.
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lock horns (with somebody) (over something)
The idiom "lock horns (with somebody) (over something)" means to engage in a heated argument, disagreement, or conflict with someone, typically about a particular issue or topic. It implies a head-on collision of opposing opinions or viewpoints, where both parties are stubbornly unwilling to back down or find a compromise.
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pull in your horns
The idiom "pull in your horns" means to become more reserved, cautious, or humble, usually in response to a difficult or challenging situation. It implies retracting or holding back one's assertiveness, aggression, or arrogance in order to avoid potential conflict or negative consequences.
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pull in one's horns
The idiom "pull in one's horns" means to become less assertive, aggressive, or confrontational in order to avoid conflict or trouble. It refers to the act of restraining oneself, moderating behavior, or showing humility and caution.
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grab the bull by its horns
The idiom "grab the bull by its horns" means to face a difficult or challenging situation directly and with determination, rather than avoiding or delaying it. It suggests taking control of one's problems or obstacles instead of being passive or fearful.
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all horns and rattles
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make horns at
To make horns at someone means to gesture rudely or defiantly towards them, typically by making a fist with the pinky and index fingers extended outward to mimic horns. It can be a sign of aggression or defiance.
Similar spelling words for HORNS
Conjugate verb Horns
CONDITIONAL
I
would horn
we
would horn
you
would horn
he/she/it
would horn
they
would horn
FUTURE
I
will horn
we
will horn
you
will horn
he/she/it
will horn
they
will horn
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have horned
we
will have horned
you
will have horned
he/she/it
will have horned
they
will have horned
PAST
I
horned
we
horned
you
horned
he/she/it
horned
they
horned
PAST PERFECT
I
had horned
we
had horned
you
had horned
he/she/it
had horned
they
had horned
PRESENT
I
horn
we
horn
you
horn
he/she/it
horns
they
horn
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have horned
we
have horned
you
have horned
he/she/it
has horned
they
have horned
I
am horning
we
are horning
you
are horning
he/she/it
is horning
they
are horning
I
was horning
we
were horning
you
were horning
he/she/it
was horning
they
were horning
I
will be horning
we
will be horning
you
will be horning
he/she/it
will be horning
they
will be horning
I
have been horning
we
have been horning
you
have been horning
he/she/it
has been horning
they
have been horning
I
had been horning
we
had been horning
you
had been horning
he/she/it
had been horning
they
had been horning
I
will have been horning
we
will have been horning
you
will have been horning
he/she/it
will have been horning
they
will have been horning
I
would have horned
we
would have horned
you
would have horned
he/she/it
would have horned
they
would have horned
I
would be horning
we
would be horning
you
would be horning
he/she/it
would be horning
they
would be horning
I
would have been horning
we
would have been horning
you
would have been horning
he/she/it
would have been horning
they
would have been horning
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