Introduction: The Audacity of Brass
Welcome to a raucous romp through the world of shameless and brazen clichés! In this chapter, we will spotlight those face-of-brass idioms that have stood the test of time—because bolder is sometimes better.
The Origin of “Brazen”
Shameless, impudent. This simile probably shares the same roots as “brazen,” a word that can mean either “made of brass” or “shameless, too bold.” Oddly enough, the shameless aspect of “brazen” pre-dates an actual brazen trumpeter, wandering around Old English villages. From Shakespeare’s audacious characters to the quirky forays of Thomas Fuller, these phrases evoke a certain vigor and unapologetic confidence.
Quote Wormhole
- Shakespeare boomed: “What a brazen-faced varlet art thou!” (King Lear, 2.2)
- Thomas Fuller pondered: “His face is of brasse, which may be said either ever or never to blush.” (The Profane State, 1642)
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Audacious
- Bold
- Impudent
- Shameless
- Unblushing
Antonyms:
- Modest
- Humble
- Shy
- Timid
- Blushing
Similar Expressions and Phrases
- “Thick-skinned”: Not easily offended or as cheerful as a sunflower in November.
- “Too forward by half”: Overconfident to the point it makes you want to drop your teacup.
- “Cheeky as a monkey”: Impudently playful.
Song Recommendation
Title: “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders Why?: It captures the audacious, “gotta-use-’em” attitude. Perfect for those with a metaphorically brass disposition!
Literary Connection
Book: The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama Reason: Who better illustrates that chutzpah can change the course of history?
Quizzes to Test Your Brazen Quotient
As you venture forth from this bold and brass-filled expedition into cliché territories, remember: daring don’t care! Embrace the unapologetic, and remember that sometimes, it’s the brazen phrases that carry the most weight – or maybe just the most brass.
Inspirational thought: “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, or the brass that didn’t ring.”
— A. Lexicon Laughter
