🔍 Clipped Wings
Definition: To reduce someone’s power, freedom, or progress; to deflate a conceited person.
👉 Etymology and History: Although at first glance this phrase might seem to have a military origin (from demoting an officer whose rank is indicated by wings), the metaphor actually comes from birds—specifically, the practice of clipping the wings of domestic fowl so they cannot fly away—and dates from ancient Roman times. “Away to prison with him, I’ll clippe his winges,” wrote Christopher Marlowe (The Massacre at Paris, 1590, 3.2).
🎭 Synonyms:
- To curb someone’s enthusiasm
- Cut down to size
- Deflate ego
- Take down a peg
😒 Antonyms:
- Inflate ego
- Encourage
- Elevate
- Empower
🤣 Humor-filled Quote: “Some people need their wings clipped, lest they soar too high and forget how gravity works.” —Anonymous
📚 Related Expressions and Proverbs:
- Take down a peg (or two): Meaning to lower someone’s inflated ego.
- Burst someone’s bubble: To bring someone back to reality from their lofty dreams.
- Reign someone in: To control or limit someone.
- Bring you back to earth: To humble or remind someone of reality.
- Eagles don’t hunt flies: If you’re too self-important, remember that even the high and mighty need to deal with small problems sometimes.
🎬 Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Literature: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Mr. Darcy gets his wings clipped by Elizabeth Bennet.
- Song: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon – A classic tune for the ego-centric.
- Movie: “The Devil Wears Prada” – How Andy Sachs learns to clip the wings of the formidable Miranda Priestly.
Enjoy delving into the history, usage, and flexibility of this engaging idiom!
Inspirational Thought: 🌟
“Language is not just a means of communication, but a path to understanding our shared history and values. Embrace the clichés, overused as they are, for they connect us to generations past and future. May your words always be as sharp or clipped as you wish them to be.” —Livia Lexicon
