The phrase "like sin" means to do something excessively, abundantly or with great intensity. The word "like" is pronounced [laɪk], with the long "i" sound. The word "sin" is pronounced [sɪn], with the short "i" sound. The reason these words are spelled differently is due to their origin. "Like" comes from the Old English word "gelīc," while "sin" comes from the Old English word "synn." Phonetic transcriptions help us understand the pronunciation of words and their etymology.
"Like sin" is a colloquial expression typically used to intensify the impact of something negative or undesirable. It is an idiomatic phrase often employed in informal conversations or discussions to emphasize the magnitude or extent of a particular action, behavior, or consequence.
The term "like sin" incorporates the metaphorical concept of sin, which is generally associated with moral wrongdoing or transgression. When applied to this phrase, "like sin" conveys a sense of intense or extreme behavior or characteristics that resemble the qualities commonly associated with sin.
The usage of "like sin" implies that the action or quality being described is especially powerful, intense, or pervasive. It can refer to a wide range of scenarios, such as describing an action done with great intensity, an undesirable behavior undertaken excessively, or an unfortunate circumstance that stands out as particularly severe or extreme.
For example, someone might say, "He drinks like sin," to suggest that the person consumes alcohol excessively or with great fervor. Alternatively, one could say, "Her singing voice is beautiful, she can hit high notes like sin," indicating that she possesses an exceptional ability to reach and sustain high musical pitches.
In summary, "like sin" is an idiomatic expression used to intensify and emphasize the negative or strong qualities associated with a specific action, behavior, or circumstance, drawing on the idea of sin to magnify its impact.
The phrase "like sin" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "like" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "lic" and meant "having the same form or appearance as". It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "likan", meaning "to please" or "to be similar".
On the other hand, "sin" originates from Old English "synn", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "sun(d)jo". It originally referred to a transgression against divine law or moral wrongdoing.
When the two words are combined, "like sin" means "similar to sin" or "in the same manner as sin", often used idiomatically to describe something that is regarded as negative, immoral, or reprehensible.