Welcome to “Cheek by Jowl” – A Phrase with Staying Power!
Whether you’ve read it in Shakespeare or caught wind of it in a modern conversation, “cheek by jowl” has nestled itself comfortably into our lexicon. Let’s traipse side by side through history to understand how this enduring cliche came to be!
Definition
- Cheek by Jowl: Very close together; side by side.
Origin
The phrase “cheek by jowl” is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, it carries with it the weight of centuries, appearing in everyday discourse since the early 1500s. Shakespeare used it in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Act 3, Scene 2):
“I’ll go with thee, cheek by jowl.”
Similar Expressions
- Nose to Nose: Very close, confrontational.
- Shoulder to Shoulder: Working closely together in unity.
- Side by Side: Together in proximity and purpose.
- In the Same Boat: Experiencing a difficult situation together.
Synonyms
- Adjacent
- Concurrent
- Contiguously
- Synchronously
Antonyms
- Apart
- Separated
- Distant
- Isolated
Humor and Fun
As the phrase cheek by jowl indicates intimacy and close companionship, imagine the following:
“Why did the scarecrow and the crow sit cheek by jowl?” Because they found it raucous-ly rewarding!
📚 Literature & Cinema References
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Books:
- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare – The classic where it all began!
- “Beside Still Waters” by Robert Sheckley - Sometimes sharing space leads to intriguing tales.
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Movies:
- “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” – Close encounters redefine cheek-by-jowl!
- “Connor, Connor” – An indie film exploring intimately close relationships.
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Songs:
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers – Recognizing the beauty of having someone “cheek by jowl” during tough times.
- “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge – Celebrating close-knit family bonds.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, phrases like “cheek by jowl” transcend mere language; they mingle into the essence of human connection, underscoring our innate desire for closeness and understanding. Until our next exploration—words bind us closer than we often realize.
— Hugo compatible front matter end —
