🍀 Living in Clover: Embracing Prosperity
in clover, to be/live - To prosper. This expression, with its analogy to cattle feeding happily in a field of clover, dates from the early eighteenth century. It occasionally has been put like pigs in clover, and, in twentieth-century America, rolling in clover. All of them mean “to live well.”
Related Terms and Synonyms:
- On cloud nine - Extremely happy and relaxed
- Sitting pretty - In a fortunate or advantageous position
- Living the high life - Enjoying a life of luxury
- Rolling in dough - Very wealthy
- Living large - Enjoying a luxurious lifestyle
Antonyms:
- In dire straits - In a very difficult situation
- Down and out - Without any money or prospects
- On the ropes - Struggling to survive financially
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Living in clover has its burrs; even cows have to watch where they step!” – Anon.
- “Feeding happily in clover is proof that even cows dream big!” – Dorothy Fields
Proverbs:
- “The grass is greener where you water it.” - Embrace opportunities rather than envying others’ prosperity.
- “Great riches bring great responsibility.” - With a nod to our bovine buddies, remember that well-being requires stewardship.
References in Literature:
- Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - An excellent exploration of living the high life in 1920s America.
- Poetry: If by Rudyard Kipling - Captures the essence of navigating prosperity and adversity with equanimity.
In Pop Culture:
- Song: “Material Girl” by Madonna - Reflects on living a life of wealth and privilege.
- Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street - A cautionary tale about the excesses of rolling in clover too aggressively.
### Which of these phrases means to prosper?
- [x] In clover
- [ ] In mud
- [ ] In salt
- [ ] In clouds
> **Explanation:** "In clover" is an idiom from the early eighteenth century meaning to prosper and live well.
### Which idiom would describe someone wealthy?
- [ ] Nesting in hay
- [ ] Swimming with guppies
- [x] Rolling in dough
- [ ] Dancing in moonlight
> **Explanation:** "Rolling in dough" is a common idiom that means being very wealthy, much like rolling in clover implies living well.
### Which phrase is NOT an antonym to 'in clover'?
- [ ] In dire straits
- [x] Sitting pretty
- [ ] On the ropes
- [ ] Down and out
> **Explanation:** "Sitting pretty" means being in a fortunate or advantageous position, the opposite of an antonym to 'in clover'.
### True or False: 'In clover' refers to a state of hardship.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "In clover" refers to a state of prosperity and ease, the opposite of hardship.
### What is NOT a synonym of 'in clover'?
- [ ] On cloud nine
- [ ] Living the high life
- [x] In dire straits
- [ ] Rolling in dough
> **Explanation:** "In dire straits" is the antonym and means being in a difficult situation, while the others signify living well or being prosperous.
Farewell Note:
As you navigate the lush, green pastures of language, may you always find yourself in clover! Remember, prosperity is more than wealth; it’s savoring every moment of joy 🌿.
B. S. Sage (October 15, 2023)
