“As full of something as possible” is a timeless phrase, reflecting completeness and maximal capacity. This idiom takes us on a delightful journey, from the historic writings of Shakespeare to the whimsical creations of W. S. Gilbert. In 1601, Shakespeare eloquently wrote, “He will fill thy wishes to the brimme,” showcasing the rich and ready state of fulfillment. Later, Gilbert colorfully described “three little maids” in The Mikado (1885) as being “filled to the brim with girlish glee,” giving life to the image of overflowing happiness.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Brimming Over: Full to the point of overflowing.
- Filled Up: Completely full.
- Stuffed: Filled to a maximum capacity, often with food.
- Chock-Full: Packed tightly.
- Teeming: Abundantly filled, especially with living things.
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Overflowing with joy”: Extremely happy.
- “A cup runneth over”: From Pslam 23:5, indicating abundance, often blessing.
- “Packed to the gills”: Very full, particularly with people or things.
Quizzes:
### Which phrase signifies maximum capacity?
- [x] Filled to the brim
- [ ] Hovering half-full
- [ ] Dancing on the rim
- [ ] Whisper of capacity
> **Explanation:** "Filled to the brim" means completely full, with no room for anything more.
### Which of these proverbs means overflowing happiness?
- [x] Overflowing with joy
- [ ] Tiptoe on the edge
- [ ] Negotiate with contentment
- [ ] Windows of wistfulness
> **Explanation:** "Overflowing with joy" describes extreme happiness, as if joy is spilling over.
### What does "packed to the gills" signify?
- [x] Very full
- [ ] Partially occupied
- [ ] Lightly feathered
- [ ] Whisper thin
> **Explanation:** "Packed to the gills" means extremely full, usually describing a situation where there is no more room for anything else.
### True or False: "Teeming" means sparsely populated.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Teeming" actually means abundantly filled, especially with living creatures or activity.
References and Suggestions:
- Literature:
- William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra: For classic English expressions.
- P. G. Wodehouse: Known for humorous and vivid descriptions.
- Poetry:
- Emily Dickinson’s “I Could Not Stop for Death”: Intensity of expression.
- Langston Hughes’s “Dreams Deferred”: Rich with imagery.
- Books:
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: Overflowing with intricate detail.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Packed with wit and humor.
- Songs:
- “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
- “Fill Me Up” by Tank
- Movies:
- Amelie: Filled with whimsical happiness.
- Chocolate: Rich narrative with overflowing senses.
May your cup always runneth over with joy and laughter, and may you find all things brimming with possibility.
Warmly, F. L. Fillistone
