🏋️♂️ Light as a Feather: The Similes that Heliumate Our Language 🎈
Light as a Feather
This simile has been flitting around since the sixteenth century, giving readers weightless imaginations since Edward Hall’s Chronicles (1548). Its ethereal nature inspired more than just literary fancy; it seeded the concept of “featherweight” in boxing—a class for contenders weighing no more than 126 pounds (57 kg). You could say it really packs a punch!
Similar terms, expressions, and idioms:
- Light as air: Something easy to carry or without substance.
- Breezy: Carefree and relaxed, much like the subtle whisper of a weightless feather.
- Weightless: Completely devoid of weight, often used in the context of astronauts floating in space.
- Floating on air: Feeling extremely happy or euphoric; no relation to actual helium, we promise!
Synonyms:
- Airy
- Delicate
- Featherlight
- Insignificant
Antonyms:
- Heavy
- Hefty
- Weighty
- Substantial
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Some actors couldn’t figure out how to throw a punch in a featherweight class if a feather did the fighting.” - Breezy McGale
- “My diet started out heavy but quickly became ’light as a featherweight,’ especially during snack time.” - Caloric Counter
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “When feathers appears, angels are near.” An optimistic and comforting expression suggesting light times ahead.
- “Feathers shall raise men even as they do birds towards heaven.” — Leonardo da Vinci, advocating that even light things can bring substantial lift to the spirit.
Suggest Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- “The Chronicles” by Edward Hall
- “A Light in the Attic”, a poetry collection by Shel Silverstein
- “Weightless”, a song by Marconi Union, perfect for feeling lighter than air
- “Forrest Gump” movie (1994), featuring that iconic floating feather in the opening scenes, showing how featherweight moments can frame heavyweight stories.
### Which of these historical figures used the phrase "light as a feather"?
- [x] Edward Hall
- [ ] Thomas Edison
- [ ] Marie Curie
- [ ] Napoleon Bonaparte
> **Explanation:** Edward Hall used this phrase in his **Chronicles**, making it a historically light piece of literature.
### Featherweights refer to which category in sports?
- [ ] Competitive knitting
- [ ] Synchronized swimming
- [x] Boxing
- [ ] Chess
> **Explanation:** Featherweight is a boxing class for competitors who weigh up to 126 pounds (57 kg). Competitive knitting's weight classes remain unofficial!
### True or False: "Light as a feather" is a commonly known simile.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This simile is as light on the tongue as it is well-known, often used to describe the effortlessness of weight or movement.
Thank you for floating away with us on this literary featherweight journey! Keep your words light but your impacts heavy. For as light as a feather may be, it holds the power to weave a tale soaring on air.
Gezellig Gezichten - Dreamcatcher Publishing, 2023
