PEARSHAPED Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "pear-shaped" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a situation or event that has taken an unfortunate turn, deviating from the expected or desired outcome. Originating from the shape of a pear, which is narrower at the top and wider towards the bottom, this phrase metaphorically likens a situation to the asymmetrical and irregular shape of the fruit.
Used colloquially, this term often denotes a scenario that has gone awry, resulting in a series of setbacks, complications, or failures. It typically implies that something has unraveled or deteriorated, leading to an undesirable outcome. The expression is often employed in situations where plans, events, or endeavors have gone terribly wrong, culminating in chaos, confusion, or disappointment. For instance, one might say that a carefully planned party went pear-shaped when it unexpectedly rained, resulting in low attendance and a disorganized atmosphere.
This idiom is employed across various domains, such as personal experiences, work environments, or social circumstances, and has become integrated into colloquial speech. While it primarily signifies things going awry, it can also allude to a state of disorder, confusion, or unpredictability. Consequently, "pear-shaped" conveys a sense of setback or failure, illustrating how life can take unexpected turns, often deviating from the intended or anticipated direction.
Common Misspellings for PEARSHAPED
- oearshaped
- learshaped
- 0earshaped
- pwarshaped
- psarshaped
- pdarshaped
- prarshaped
- p4arshaped
- p3arshaped
- pezrshaped
- pesrshaped
- pewrshaped
- peqrshaped
- peaeshaped
- peadshaped
- peafshaped
- peatshaped
- pea5shaped
- pea4shaped
Etymology of PEARSHAPED
The term "pear-shaped" originated in British military slang in the early 20th century. It was used to describe a situation or plan that had gone awry or went horribly wrong.
The etymology of the term is linked to the shape of a pear fruit. When a pear is ripe, it becomes wider at the bottom, resembling an hourglass shape or a distorted round shape. In military jargon, when a plan or situation went "pear-shaped", it meant that it had become distorted, off-track, or unsuccessful.
Over time, the expression "pear-shaped" expanded its usage beyond the military context and is now commonly used to describe any situation, event, or plan that has not gone as intended or has gone wrong.
Idioms with the word PEARSHAPED
-
go pearshaped
The idiom "go pear-shaped" typically means that a situation or plan has gone wrong, resulting in failure, disappointment, or chaos.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
