conspicuous by one’s (its) absence - Noticeable by the very fact of not being there. The idea was expressed very early on by the Roman historian Tacitus, in recording the absence of Junia’s brother, Brutus, and her husband, Cassius, at her funeral procession. The phrase became popular in the nineteenth century, and continued to be applied often to political matters, such as the absence of certain provisions in a law, or the absence of political leaders on certain important occasions.
Related Terms and Similar Expressions
- MIA (Missing in Action) - Used to describe someone who is conspicuously not present.
- Not present and accounted for - A way of saying someone is absent when their presence is noticed.
- Absent without leave (AWOL) - Usually used in a military context, meaning someone is absent without permission.
- Noticeably missing - The absence is clearly perceived by everyone.
- Vanishing act - When someone disappears unexpectedly and their absence is glaring.
Humor-filled Quotes and Proverbs
- “He who is absent is always wrong” — English Proverb. But then again, sometimes being absent makes them very right!
- “The cat’s away, the mice will play.” — Nothing like an absentee authority figure to make things interesting.
Literary and Cultural References
- Book: “Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding” - Bridget’s perpetual sense of lack and lovelessness can feel quite like being conspicuous by one’s own singledom!
- Song: “Miss You by The Rolling Stones” - Typical feeling when someone is conspicuous by their absence – they’re inconveniencing your heart!
- Movie: “Home Alone” - Kevin’s family is conspicuously missing, causing a whirlwind of comedic chaos!
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Sometimes, the most impactful presence is felt in absence. It serves as a potent reminder of values, priorities, and the silent beauty of unsaid things.”
### Which of these is the correct use of 'conspicuous by one’s absence'?
- [x] Her detailed questions were conspicuous by their absence in the meeting.
- [ ] His loud singing was conspicuous by its absence in the rainstorm.
- [ ] The cat's purring was conspicuous by its absence on the basketball court.
- [ ] My hat was conspicuous by its absence during my magick show.
> **Explanation:** The correct usage is reflecting on the absence noted at a meeting where her detailed questions were expected. The other options don't fit the typical context of the idiom.
### Identify the real phrase:
- [ ] Sign of the turtle
- [ ] Whispering willows
- [ ] Cloud surfing dreams
- [x] Conspicuous by one's absence
> **Explanation:** 'Conspicuous by one's absence' is the genuine idiom here, describing someone or something’s noticeable absence. The others are simply whimsical.
### True or False: 'Conspicuous by one’s absence' can be used to describe a missing feeling
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It typically describes the absence of a person or tangible item, not an intangible feeling.
### Which historical figure’s absence popularized the phrase initially?
- [ ] Alexander the Great
- [ ] King Henry VIII
- [ ] Napoleon Bonaparte
- [x] Junia’s brother, Brutus
> **Explanation:** Early writings by the historian Tacitus recorded the absence of Brutus at Junia's funeral, making this a historically significant event.
