fly too close to the sun
fly too close to the sun (idiom)
/flaɪ tuː kloʊs tuː ðə sʌn/
Meaning
- Indicates becoming excessively ambitious or greedy, leading to one’s downfall.
- Refers to initiating overly ambitious projects that ultimately fail, causing harm to oneself and others.
- Describes leaders who, driven by excitement and overconfidence, undertake reckless endeavors without heeding advice, resulting in negative consequences.
Example Sentences
- Despite repeated warnings, Alex flew too close to the sun by investing all his savings in risky stocks.
- The young athlete flew too close to the sun by pushing his body beyond its limits, leading to a career-ending injury.
- She flew too close to the sun by ignoring safety regulations in her experiments, resulting in a costly accident.
- The tech startup flew too close to the sun by expanding too quickly without a solid financial plan, causing its collapse.
Origin and History
Mythological Roots
The idiom “fly too close to the sun” originates from the ancient Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus. Daedalus, a master craftsman, constructed wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son, Icarus, to escape imprisonment on the island of Crete. He cautioned Icarus not to fly too high, warning that the sun’s heat would melt the wax. Disregarding this advice, Icarus soared upward, causing the wax in his wings to melt, leading to his fall and demise in the sea. This tale serves as a cautionary metaphor for the perils of overambition and ignoring wise counsel.
Interpretations and Symbolism
The story of Icarus has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Primarily, it symbolizes the dangers of hubris and the consequences of overreaching one’s limits. The sun represents a tempting yet perilous goal, while Icarus’s ascent signifies human ambition. His fall underscores the potential downfall awaiting those who disregard limitations and prudent advice. This narrative has been employed to caution against excessive risk-taking and to advocate for humility and adherence to guidance.
Emergence of the Idiom in English
Tracing the exact origin of the phrase “fly too close to the sun” in the English language is challenging. While the myth of Icarus has been known for centuries, the idiom itself likely gained popularity in modern English usage.
Cultural Impact and Modern Usage
In contemporary contexts, “flying too close to the sun” is employed across various fields, including business, sports, and personal development, to describe individuals or entities that take on excessive risks without due consideration of potential consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing ambition with caution and the value of heeding experienced advice. The enduring relevance of this idiom highlights the timeless nature of its underlying message.
Synonyms
- bite off more than one can chew
- reach for the stars and fall
- get burned by ambition
- overstep one’s bounds
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