🌟 Not To Be Sneezed At 🤧
“Not to be sneezed at” – Not something to disregard or underestimate. The origins of this phrase might lie in people’s tendency to turn up their noses at something they consider beneath them, dating back to the early 19th century. For instance, Sir Walter Scott penned, “As I am situated, £300 or £400 a year is not to be sneezed at” in a letter from 1813, highlighting just how valuable certain amounts could be.
Imagine sneezing at that promotion you just got or the plate of cookies someone went out of their way to bake for you. Now replace the sneeze with a smile of appreciation. Quite a difference, wouldn’t you say?
Synonyms:
- Nothing to scoff at – Definitely worth considering or appreciating.
- Not to be overlooked – Important enough to warrant attention.
Antonyms:
- A dime a dozen – Very common and not particularly valuable.
- Chump change – Insignificant amount of money or effort.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“In a world where comfort is not to be sneezed at, I’m all for more pillows.” – Comfy McCozy, fictional comfort expert.
”Money isn’t everything, but it’s not to be sneezed at—unless you enjoy free tissues!” – Finance Fanny, fictitious economist.
Related Terms & Proverbs:
- Take it with a grain of salt – View something skeptically.
- Grasp the nettle – Face a difficulty boldly.
Entertainment and Literature Recommendations:
📚 Books:
- “Idioms for Dummies” by Gail Brenner – A fun guide to understanding idioms.
- “The Idiom Advantage” by Dana Shultz – Explore the world through common phrases.
🎬 Movies:
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – Demonstrates the value of opportunities that are definitely “not to be sneezed at.”
- “Yes Man” (2008) – Encourages embracing opportunities, aligning well with the essence of this idiom.
🎶 Songs:
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong – Reminds us of all the things that are ‘not to be sneezed at’ in life.
- “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode – Acknowledging simple joys that are easily overlooked.
📜 Poetry:
- “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats – Reflects value in beauty and truth.
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost – Choosing paths that shouldn’t be dismissed.
Inspirational Farewell: As you meander through life’s labyrinth of choices, always remember—what’s ‘not to be sneezed at’ for you could be the very treasure map others seek. Embrace opportunities, and savor the significance in everyday wonders. Until next time, keep the language lively and your spirits high!
- Lexi Linguophile, October 2023
