THE HOUSE Meaning and
Definition
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The House typically refers to a legislative body or chamber, specifically referring to the lower house of a bicameral legislature. In countries with a parliamentary system, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and others, the House is the primary legislative body responsible for making and passing laws. It is also commonly known as the House of Representatives, the House of Commons, or the House of Delegates, depending on the country.
In a parliamentary system, the House is usually composed of elected representatives who are responsible for representing the interests of their respective constituencies. Elections are held periodically to replace or re-elect these representatives, ensuring democratic representation in the legislature. The House holds substantial powers, including the introduction, debate, and passage of legislation, approval of government budgets, and the ability to summon and question government officials.
The House is often distinguished from the upper house, also known as the Senate, which is usually smaller in size and regarded as a more prestigious chamber. While the upper house focuses on reviewing and revising bills from the House, the House is typically responsible for initiating new legislation. The composition and functioning of the House vary across different countries, but its fundamental purpose remains consistent – to represent the interests of the citizens and to enact laws that affect the nation as a whole.
Common Misspellings for THE HOUSE
Etymology of THE HOUSE
The term "the House" primarily refers to the United States House of Representatives or the lower chamber of Congress. Its etymology can be traced back to British parliamentary tradition.
The word "house" itself has an Old English origin, derived from the Germanic word "hus" or "hús", which simply means "dwelling" or "shelter". Over time, the word "house" came to represent various political bodies.
In the context of parliamentary systems, the "House" refers to the legislative assembly or chamber where representatives meet to debate and pass laws. This usage can be traced back to the British House of Commons, which is the lower chamber of the United Kingdom's Parliament.
The British House of Commons, established in the 13th century, was originally held in private homes or houses of noble individuals who hosted the meetings.
Idioms with the word THE HOUSE
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on the house
The idiom "on the house" means that something, such as food or drinks, is provided or given to someone for free, usually by a business or establishment as a gesture of goodwill or appreciation.
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in the house
The idiom "in the house" typically refers to someone being present or available at a particular location, especially when used in the context of a gathering, event, or performance. It implies that the person being referred to is physically present and actively participating or being recognized in the said location or event.
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bow down in the house of Rimmon
The idiom "bow down in the house of Rimmon" originates from a biblical reference in the Old Testament. It is often used to describe a situation where someone compromises their beliefs or principles for the sake of convenience, personal gain, or avoiding conflict. Specifically, the phrase refers to an event in the book of 2 Kings where Naaman, a Syrian army commander, was asked to bow down to the god Rimmon as a sign of respect. Despite his faith in the God of Israel, Naaman temporarily abandons his beliefs and bows down in the house of Rimmon to appease the king. Hence, "bowing down in the house of Rimmon" symbolizes compromising one's values or going against one's convictions.
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the angel in the house
The idiom "the angel in the house" refers to an idealized image of a woman or wife who is seen as gentle, submissive, selfless, and devoted to her family. It originated from a poem by Coventry Patmore titled "The Angel in the House," published in 1854, where he describes his perfect, supportive wife. The idiom is often used to describe societal expectations and stereotypes imposed on women, emphasizing their traditional role as caretakers and suppresses their individuality and autonomy.
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wear the pants in the house
The idiom "wear the pants in the house" means that someone is in a position of authority or control within a household, usually referring to a dominant role within a marriage or family. It suggests that the person who "wears the pants" has the final decision-making power and is often attributed to a person who possesses strong personality traits or is assertive.
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rock the house
The idiom "rock the house" typically refers to a situation where a performer or event is able to create an energetic and memorable experience for the audience or crowd, often involving a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a highly entertaining performance.
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the lady of the house
The idiom "the lady of the house" refers to the woman in charge or the female head of a household. It signifies the woman who holds authority, responsibility, and decision-making power within her home.
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angel in the house
The idiom "angel in the house" refers to a person, particularly a woman, who is exceptionally kind, gentle, and self-sacrificing. It originated from a poem by Coventry Patmore called "The Angel in the House" published in 1854, which depicted an idealized image of a Victorian wife and mother who tirelessly devoted herself to her family's welfare. This idiom is often used to describe someone who perfectly embodies traditional gender roles and is considered a domestic ideal.
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not a dry eye in the house
The idiom "not a dry eye in the house" is used to describe a situation where everyone present is crying or experiencing strong emotions, typically due to something touching, emotional, or sad happening.
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bring down the house
The idiom "bring down the house" means to elicit a great amount of applause, laughter, or enthusiasm from an audience, typically due to a spectacular performance, speech, or event. It refers to the idea that the audience's response is so enthusiastic that it feels like the entire house or theater is being brought down by their reaction.
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bring the house down
The idiom "bring the house down" means to generate a very enthusiastic and uproarious reaction from an audience, usually through an outstanding performance or a remarkably funny or entertaining act. It implies that the performance was so exceptional that it elicited a strong and overwhelming response from the audience, including loud applause, laughter, and cheers.
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the man of the house
The idiom "the man of the house" refers to the male figure or primary authority figure within a household. This person often assumes responsibility for making important decisions, providing for the family, and maintaining order and discipline within the home. The idiom can be used both in a literal sense, referring to the male homeowner, or in a more figurative sense, representing the individual who holds the highest level of authority or influence in a particular household or situation.
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the House
"The House" is a colloquial term that refers to the United States House of Representatives, which is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any legislative body or organization that conducts its business in a similar fashion to the House of Representatives.
