📏 Plumb the Depths: Measuring the Unmeasurable 📚
Definition:
Plumb the depths, to - To investigate or explore thoroughly, or to experience something at its most extreme, often something unpleasant. Originally a nautical term from the 1500s used to measure the depth of water with a lead weight, its figurative use came shortly after and has become a staple in expressions of deep exploration or reaching low levels of despair or villainy.
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Delve into: To investigate or research.
- “She delved into the mystery of the lost manuscript.”
- Get to the bottom of: To find out the origins or facts about something.
- “The detective worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of the case.”
- Probe: To investigate thoroughly or question deeply.
- “The scientist probed the depths of the ocean for new discoveries.”
Synonyms:
- Investigate
- Examine
- Explore
- Analyze
Antonyms:
- Skim
- Overlook
- Ignore
- Neglect
Fun Quote:
“I tried to plumb the depths of my memory for where I left my keys, but all I found was a case of absentmindedness.” - Anonymous
Proverbs:
- “Still waters run deep.” – Suggests that a quiet person or situation may be more complex than they appear, much like water whose depth isn’t immediately obvious.
References in Literature:
- The Furniture Collector by E. W. Gregory (1916): “. . . engaged in trying to plumb the depths of duplicity to which dealers can descend in faking old furniture.”
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville: The novel itself is a perfect metaphorical instance of plumb the depths, exploring the vast and mysterious ocean as well as the depths of human obsession and madness.
Movies:
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954): A literal and figurative exploration of the depths of the ocean and the human psyche.
- Inception (2010): An in-depth journey into the subconscious mind.
Suggested Books:
- “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: A non-fiction book that probes deeply into the life and travels of Christopher McCandless.
- “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad: A penetration into the darkest parts of the human soul, cloaked under the guise of a journey into the African Congo.
Suggested Songs:
- “Dive” by Ed Sheeran – Which delves into the depths of emotional vulnerability.
- “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish – A serenade that explores deep, entrancing feelings.
Trivia Quiz
### Which of these means "to investigate thoroughly"?
- [x] Plumb the depths
- [ ] Surf the surface
- [ ] Brush off
- [ ] Shadow play
> **Explanation:** "Plumb the depths" refers to thorough investigation, delving deeply into a subject, unlike the lighter actions mentioned in the other options.
### True or False: 'Plumb the depths' originally referred to measuring the depth of water using a line weighted with a plumb.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, the phrase comes from the nautical practice of measuring water depth with a plumb line.
### What is an antonym of "plumb the depths"?
- [ ] Delve into
- [ ] Probe
- [x] Skim
- [ ] Explore
> **Explanation:** "Skim" suggests a superficial glance or investigation, the opposite of thoroughly examining or delving deeply into something.
May you always have the courage to plumb the depths of both the world and your own heart, unearthing wonders and wisdom at every turn. 🚢📚
- N. I. Depths
