Climb the Wall(s), To
climb the wall(s), to - To be driven to action out of restlessness or frustration. In the Book of Joel (2:7), the writer says, “They shall climb the wall like men of war,” and, in fact, until relatively recent times, cities and towns were surrounded by defensive walls, which protected them against their enemies. The fierceness of attackers who climbed such walls survives in the sense of frenzy suggested by the modern cliché.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Drive (someone) up the wall – Another vivid expression of frustration or annoyance.
- Bounce off the walls – Expresses hyperactive energy or restlessness.
- Climb the walls of Jericho – A nod to desperation and unyielding determination.
- Climb the corporate ladder – Seeking upward movement, if not out of frustration, maybe a tad of ambition.
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Patience is a virtue” – Because sometimes, not climbing the walls takes every ounce of this elusive virtue.
- “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” – A deterrent to inactivity, hinting that too much rest can lead to the urge to climb.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Whoever finds themselves reliable and patient has never had a toddler!” – Unofficial Parenthood Memoir.
- “I’m not climbing the walls—just doing some vertical interior redecorating!” – An overly optimistic homemaker.
Literary References:
- “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo – Jean Valjean’s literal and metaphorical struggles include scaling barriers.
- “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien – Walls to be climbed lurk throughout Middle-earth.
Movie Suggestions:
- “The Great Escape” – About climbing actual walls, for a very good reason—freedom.
- “Run Lola Run” – Watch a woman run metaphorical laps until she “scales the walls” of her predicament.
Songs to Get You Through:
- “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger – For those moments when the walls feel insurmountable.
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor – Because your fight against frustration deserves an anthem.
Inspirational Farewell: Embrace your frustrations not as barriers but as walls to be conquered. Let each climb embolden your spirit and enrich your journey.
### Which of these expressions is synonymous with "climb the wall(s)" in the context of frustration?
- [x] Drive (someone) up the wall
- [ ] Building bridges
- [ ] Water under the bridge
- [ ] Every cloud has a silver lining
> **Explanation:** "Drive (someone) up the wall" is another way of saying someone is being driven to frenzy, just like "climb the wall(s)."
### What biblical book references "climbing the wall" like men of war?
- [x] Book of Joel
- [ ] Book of Psalms
- [ ] Book of Genesis
- [ ] Book of Revelation
> **Explanation:** The Book of Joel (2:7) mentions this nip-and-climb imagery as a fierce act of war.
### True or False: "Climb the wall(s)" suggests a sense of calm and relaxation.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Quite the opposite, it indicates a state of restlessness or frustration.
### Which of these phrases means not at all the same as "climb the wall(s)"?
- [ ] Drive up the wall
- [x] Keep your cool
- [ ] Bounce off the walls
- [ ] Ready to burst
> **Explanation:** “Keep your cool” suggests tranquility and composure, far from the agitation bound up in "climb the wall(s)."
### Identify the idiom that refers to being hyper and energetic like restlessness:
- [x] Bounce off the walls
- [ ] A penny for your thoughts
- [ ] Hit the sack
- [ ] Burn the midnight oil
> **Explanation:** "Bounce off the walls" perfectly captures a high-energy, possibly restless state.
