“The 8th Wonder of the World”🌍
Definition: A marvel; an astonishing or surprising thing or event. Often used sarcastically, implying something is barely, if at all, comparable to the magnificent “seven wonders of the ancient world.”
Synonyms:
- Marvel
- Phenomenon
- Sensation
- Miracle
- Wonder
Antonyms:
- Ordinary
- Mundane
- Commonplace
- Routine
- Dull
Humor-filled Quote: “He’s such a show-off, he might as well be the 8th wonder of the world. And by that, I mean he’s about as impressive as a sponge in a beauty pageant.”
Proverbs: “All that glitters is not gold.” — Sometimes, marvels are not what they seem.
Related Terms/Idioms:
- Nine-day wonder — Something or someone that temporarily attracts much attention or acclaim.
- Flash in the pan — A sudden but brief success or effort.
- Talk of the town — Someone or something that is widely discussed in a particular city or town.
Suggested Literature:
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens — Characters like Pip often find themselves amazed (or disappointed) by perceived wonders and marvels.
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke — A delightful mashup of magic and English society’s obsession with what might be classified as “wondrous.”
Songs to Stream:
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis — Because who knows, that unexpected ‘wonder’ might just be your savior after all.
- “It’s a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong — To remind us that the most surprising wonders are sometimes the simple things.
Films to Watch:
- The Greatest Showman — Experience the extravaganza of marvels and spectacles.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade — Wonders of the ancient world through the adventurous eyes of Dr. Jones.
Inspirational Farewell Thought: “Remember, it’s often the smallest wonders in everyday life that make the biggest impact. Be the marvel in someone’s day.”
### Which of these expressions is accepted as an idiom?
- [ ] A whale in a teacup
- [x] The 8th wonder of the world
- [ ] Running with giraffes
- [ ] Moondancing with monkeys
> **Explanation:** "The 8th wonder of the world" is an idiom used to describe something that is astonishing or remarkable, albeit often in a sarcastic or hyperbolic manner.
### True or False: "Nine-day wonder" is a term used for brief and quickly fading acclaim.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Nine-day wonder" refers to something that garners intense attention but quickly falls out of public fascination.
### Pick the term that describes a short-lived success.
- [ ] Evergreen Success
- [x] Flash in the pan
- [ ] Sleeping Giant
- [ ] Turtle Triumph
> **Explanation:** "Flash in the pan" captures the essence of a brief and momentary success.
### Which proverb relates to unexpected impressive outcomes?
- [x] All that glitters is not gold.
- [ ] When pigs fly.
- [ ] Raining cats and dogs.
- [ ] Barking up the wrong tree.
> **Explanation:** "All that glitters is not gold" suggests that not everything that looks appealing or wondrous is indeed valuable or significant.
### Sarcastically referring to an ordinary event as what, suggests an exploratory overstate?
- [ ] Island of Tranquility
- [x] The 8th wonder of the world
- [ ] Cornerstone of wisdom
- [ ] Ocean's whisper
> **Explanation:** Referring to an ordinary event as "the 8th wonder of the world" sarcastically suggests it is far more impressive than it truly is.
