💭 Perish the Thought
Definition: May this never happen, or may this never be true. Invoking hope against something undesirable even in thought.
Origins and Usage: This evocative phrase, older and grander than the timeless “bite your tongue,” aims to annihilate the mere contemplation of an unwelcome idea rather than the act of speaking it aloud. While Shakespeare might get most of the applause, this particular gem’s popularity sparkled brightly in Colley Cibber’s 1700 version of Richard III, where a character declares, “Perish the thought!” (5:5).
Similar Terms and Expressions 📚
- Bite your tongue! 🗣️ — Refrain from speaking something one regrets or that could bring bad luck.
- God/Heaven forbid! 🙏 — An archaic recoil from an unfavorable scenario, hoping divine intervention prevents it.
- No way, José! 🚫 — A modern, slang rejection, often toward something evidently absurd or undesirable.
- Over my dead body! 🧟 — A dramatic refusal to allow something to happen.
Synonyms 🎭
- Dismiss the notion — Swiftly reject even entertaining the thought.
- Banish the idea — Sternly send away undesirable concepts from one’s mind.
Antonyms 🤔
- Wish upon a star🌠 — Hope earnestly for a positive outcome or good fortune.
- Welcome the thought — Be open to and happy about a certain idea or suggestion.
Humor-Filled Quotes 🤣
“For the love of all things holy, perish the thought of having pineapple on pizza!” — Anonymous Pizza Purist
Proverbs 📜
- “Bad news has wings!” — Such phrases point to the swiftness with which negative ideas can spread, the very reason why one might cry “Perish the thought!”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry & Movies 🎬
- Literature: Persuasion by Jane Austen (Or could Austen herself find the ideal usage of such a phrase?)
- Books: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (Lots of contemplative moments where one might “perish the thought”).
- Songs: “Imagine” by John Lennon — imagining strife-free scenarios where no such phrase would be needed.
- Poetry: “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou - Maya banishes negativity with every empowering verse.
- Movies: Inception directed by Christopher Nolan — combating unwanted ideas while exploring the landscape of thoughts themselves.
Quizzes 🤹
Farewell Thought: May your days be filled with positivity, where wished-for outcomes bloom, and only good thoughts take flight. Let “perish the thought” stand guard over your mental menagerie, sweeping unwelcome musings aside.
✍️ Perri Linguistine
