👨💼 Separate the Men from the Boys, To 👦
To distinguish those who are mature and competent from those who are young and green. This term, always used figuratively, was popular in business and politics from the 1930s onward, often put as “This emergency will separate the men from the boys”—that is, it will show who is able to deal with it effectively.
Example:
“The latest budget crisis is going to separate the men from the boys!” exclaimed the CEO during lunch.
The mystery writer A. A. Fair invoked this idiom vividly in his novel Beware (1956). He wrote: “This is the kind of stuff that separates the men from the boys.”
🎩 Related Terms:
- Sink or Swim: To face two possible outcomes - complete success or total failure.
- Trial by Fire: Being tested for your skills and adaptability in demanding situations.
- Coming of Age: A journey that involves reaching maturity or achieving new responsibilities.
✨ Similar Expressions:
- “Rise to the occasion”
- “Show your true colors”
- “Prove your mettle”
📖 Synonyms:
- Test of Character
- Proving Ground
❌ Antonyms:
- Undemanding
- Unchallenging
💬 Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Remember, being mature doesn’t just mean growing old; it means qualifying for senior discounts without embarrassing yourself!”
🌍 Proverbs and Wisdom:
- Chinese Proverb: “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
- Yoruba Proverb: “The elders watched paths they never trod, learning from the distance.”
📚 Recommended Literature, Books, and Films:
- Books: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe.
- Movies: Men of Honor (2000), Braveheart (1995).
🎵 Recommended Songs:
- “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
🌟 Inspirational Farewell:
Remember, every challenging juncture is an opportunity to refine oneself. Keep evolving and proving your mettle!
Until next time, Veronica Verbsmith
### Which of these is a genuine idiom?
- [ ] Climbing the spiky rainbow
- [ ] Sitting on a doughnut muffin
- [x] Separate the men from the boys
- [ ] Whispering in the wind
> **Explanation:** "Separate the men from the boys" is a recognized idiom signifying a situation that reveals true capability and maturity. The other options are imaginary and playful.
### What does "Separate the men from the boys" mean?
- [x] Distinguishing between the experienced and inexperienced
- [ ] Sorting peas from grain
- [ ] Choosing between different kinds of toys
- [ ] Deciding what to have for dinner
> **Explanation:** This idiom refers to identifying those who truly have the maturity and skills to handle a situation, from those who do not.
### True or False: 'Separate the men from the boys' suggests excelling in an academic examination.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom is about identifying who can handle tough, real-world situations effectively, not specifically academic achievement.
