The expression "marches on" refers to the continued advance or progression of time or events. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "marches" is spelled /ˈmɑːrtʃɪz/ to reflect the various sounds in the word. The symbol "ɑː" represents the long "a" sound in "march", while the "tʃ" represents the "ch" sound in "march". The "ɪz" represents the third person singular present tense of the verb "march", indicating that time or events are currently advancing.
The phrase "marches on" can be seen as an idiom representing the relentless progression or advancement of time, events, or a particular situation. It signifies the continuous movement or development of something without any pause or interruption.
In a literal sense, "marches on" refers to the steady forward movement of a military formation, where soldiers step in unison and consistently propel themselves in a specified direction. This can be applied metaphorically to depict the unwavering progress of various elements in life, such as technology, social movements, or the passage of time itself.
Furthermore, "marches on" carries a connotation of inevitability and persistence. It implies that nothing can halt or impede the course of events, as they relentlessly move forward. It suggests that regardless of obstacles or setbacks faced, life continues to move forward, evolving and transforming itself.
The phrase also serves as a reminder that change is a fundamental aspect of life. It signifies that situations, circumstances, and people are constantly evolving, even when we may wish for things to stay the same. It emphasizes the need to adapt and be prepared for what lies ahead, as time "marches on" relentless and ceaselessly.
The phrase "marches on" does not have a specific etymology of its own as it is a combination of the word "march" and the preposition "on". However, we can look at the etymology of the word "march" to understand its origins.
The word "march" comes from the Old French word "march(e)" which means "boundary" or "border". It is believed to have originated from the Frankish word "marka" meaning "boundary" or "frontier". The Frankish term itself may have been influenced by the Latin word "margo" meaning "edge" or "border".
Over time, "march" acquired various meanings, including referring to a military expedition or incursion into enemy territory. The phrase "marches on" evolved from the military context in which armies advance or continue moving forward.