To Hell and Gone
“To Hell and Gone” - A long way off; forever. This term dates from the first half of the twentieth century. Margaret Millar used it in her Soft Talkers (1957): “I can contradict myself to hell and gone if I feel like it.” From the mid-1800s, this term was also used to mean “utter ruin,” as in “The stock market’s blown him to hell and gone.” This usage appears to be obsolete, much like parachute pants and dial-up internet.
Similar Terms:
- To the ends of the Earth - As far as one can go; a determination to continue.
- To Kingdom come - To a distant, unspecified place, usually in a dramatic or destructive context.
- In the middle of nowhere - Remote, isolated location.
- Out in the boonies - Slang for rural areas far from urban centers.
Humor-filled Quote:
- “I’d walk to hell and gone for a decent cup of coffee… especially on a Monday.”
Related Expressions and Proverbs:
- “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu
- “Distance means so little when someone means so much.” — Anonymous
- “I’m not Irish, but my coffee is to hell and gone from being straight.”
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, Movies:
- Book: “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac — A classic novel about the passion for discovering far-flung destinations.
- Song: “Route 66” by Nat King Cole — For a musical journey to the country’s major “get up and go” route.
- Movie: Far and Away directed by Ron Howard — The thrilling journey to America.
- Poetry: “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost — Reflecting on the journey and the distance one must travel.
“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.” — G.K. Chesterton
Farewell Thought: In your journey of life, may you easily discern whether you’re set to travel to the hell and gone, or merely to a surprise just around the corner. Keep your wit, and joy will follow.
— L. O. Quacious
