SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Meaning and
Definition
-
Sackcloth and ashes is an idiomatic phrase that derives from ancient times and is often used to describe a deep display of sorrow, repentance or mourning. The phrase typically refers to the act of wearing rough, coarse cloth made from sackcloth and covering oneself in ashes as symbols of remorse or grief.
"Sackcloth" refers to a material made from coarse, woven cloth that was typically produced from coarse fibers, such as jute, hemp, or flax. It had a rough texture and was uncomfortable to wear, signifying a sense of discomfort or distress.
"Ashes" in this context refers to the remnants or residue left after burning something. In ancient times, people would often sit or roll around in ashes as a symbolic gesture of mourning or repentance. The ashes symbolize the destruction or death of something and the acknowledgment of guilt or regret.
When combined, the phrase "sackcloth and ashes" represents a visible and active display of contrition, humility, or grief. It is used metaphorically to express one's acknowledgment and repentance for a wrongdoing or to signify a sincere display of sorrow or mourning. This idiom can be found in various religious and historical texts and is frequently used in everyday language to depict an individual's intense feelings of remorse or regret.
Common Misspellings for SACKCLOTH AND ASHES
- aackcloth and ashes
- zackcloth and ashes
- xackcloth and ashes
- dackcloth and ashes
- eackcloth and ashes
- wackcloth and ashes
- szckcloth and ashes
- ssckcloth and ashes
- swckcloth and ashes
- sqckcloth and ashes
- saxkcloth and ashes
- savkcloth and ashes
- safkcloth and ashes
- sadkcloth and ashes
- sacjcloth and ashes
- sacmcloth and ashes
- saclcloth and ashes
- sacocloth and ashes
- sacicloth and ashes
Idioms with the word SACKCLOTH AND ASHES
-
in sackcloth and ashes
The definition of the idiom "in sackcloth and ashes" is to publicly display extreme remorse or regret, usually by wearing rough, uncomfortable clothing (such as sackcloth) and sitting or rolling in ashes as a sign of mourning or repentance.
-
wear sackcloth and ashes
The idiom "wear sackcloth and ashes" refers to a symbolic act of showing remorse, grief, or repentance. It originates from ancient customs and religious practices where individuals would wear coarse, uncomfortable sackcloth garments and cover themselves in ashes as manifestations of their deep sorrow or regret for their wrongdoings. In contemporary usage, the phrase is typically used metaphorically to describe someone publicly expressing their contrition or trying to convey extreme remorse for their actions.
-
wear, put on, etc. sackcloth and ashes
The idiom "wear, put on, etc. sackcloth and ashes" is a figurative expression that originates from biblical times. It refers to an act of extreme penance or remorse, symbolized by wearing coarse and uncomfortable sackcloth (a rough fabric) and sitting or rolling in ashes. It represents a visible display of grief or repentance for a wrong committed or a great tragedy. In modern usage, it is used to describe someone who is deeply remorseful or filled with guilt and seeks to outwardly express their sorrow or seek forgiveness.
-
sackcloth and ashes
"Sackcloth and ashes" is an expression used to describe someone displaying extreme sorrow, regret, or remorse, typically in a very public or dramatic way. It refers to a practice in ancient times of wearing coarse cloth (sackcloth) and sprinkling ashes on one's head as a sign of mourning or repentance.
