move mountains
move mountains (hyperbole, verb phrase)
/muːv ˈmaʊntənz/
Variants
- faith can move mountains.
- to move a mountain.
- move the mountain.
Meaning
- Do everything that can possibly be done.
- Achieve something that seems impossible through great effort, determination, or belief.
- Overcome extremely difficult challenges or obstacles, especially through persistence or love.
- Cause dramatic change or powerful impact, often by inspiring or motivating others.
- Work tirelessly or make extraordinary efforts to accomplish a goal, especially when the odds are against success.
- Create significant or miraculous results by pushing past limitations or disbelief.
Example Sentences
- She was willing to move mountains to get her child the best medical care.
- His love for her could move mountains, no matter the distance between them.
- The team worked day and night to move mountains before the deadline.
- With enough faith, they believed they could move mountains together.
- Her speech had the power to move mountains and ignite real change.
Origin and History
Biblical Roots: Faith as a Catalyst for the Impossible
The idiom “move mountains” finds its most prominent origin in the Christian Bible, particularly in the New Testament. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells his disciples:
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
This metaphor emphasizes the power of faith to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 13:2, Paul writes, “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing,” further reinforcing the association between faith and the ability to achieve the extraordinary.
Early Printed Records: The 1582 Rheims Bible
The earliest known printed record of the phrase appears in the 1582 Rheims Bible, an English translation of the New Testament. In Matthew 21:21, it states:
“If you shall have faith, and stagger not, … and if you shall say to this mountain, Take up and throw thyself into the sea, it shall be done.”
This translation helped cement the phrase in the English language, where it has since evolved into the idiom we recognize today.
Chinese Fable: “The Foolish Old Man Removes the Mountains”
An earlier and culturally distinct narrative comes from Chinese mythology: the fable of “The Foolish Old Man Removes the Mountains” (愚公移山). First appearing in the 4th-century BC Daoist text Liezi, the story tells of a 90-year-old man who, frustrated by two mountains blocking his home’s entrance, resolves to remove them with a hoe and basket. When mocked for his futile endeavor, he responds that while he may not succeed in his lifetime, his descendants will continue the work until the mountains are gone. Impressed by his perseverance, the gods ultimately move the mountains for him. This tale underscores the virtues of determination and collective effort in overcoming monumental challenges.
Hindu Symbolism: Elephants as Moving Mountains
In Hindu literature, the concept of “moving mountains” is metaphorically represented through the imagery of powerful elephants. Texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana describe intoxicated elephants in battle as “moving mountains,” highlighting their immense strength and the formidable presence they bring to the battlefield. This metaphor emphasizes the awe-inspiring power and impact of these creatures, drawing a parallel to the monumental task of moving a mountain.
Cultural Dissemination and Evolution
While the phrase “move mountains” has biblical origins, its metaphorical use has transcended religious contexts to become a universal expression of overcoming great obstacles through determination, faith, or effort. In English-speaking countries, the idiom is commonly used to describe individuals or groups who display exceptional perseverance in achieving their goals. The phrase’s adaptability has allowed it to resonate across various cultures and languages, each infusing it with their unique interpretations and values.
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