turn of phrase

T

turn of phrase (metonymy/idiom)
/tɝn əv freɪz/

Meaning

  • A distinct or unique way of expressing something – This refers to a particular style or manner of wording a thought, often reflecting a person’s linguistic creativity or eloquence.
  • An idiomatic or stylistic expression – A phrase or saying that stands out due to its originality, poetic quality, or effectiveness in communication.
  • The ability to articulate thoughts effectively – This describes the skill of using language in a clever, elegant, or precise way, often admired in writing or speech.
  • A characteristic phrasing used by an individual or group – This meaning highlights the habitual way someone formulates their words, making their speech recognizable.

Example Sentences

  1. The author’s turn of phrase made even simple topics sound poetic.
  2. His sharp turn of phrase often left his opponents speechless in debates.
  3. She has a delightful turn of phrase that brings her storytelling to life.
  4. The comedian’s clever turn of phrase had the entire audience laughing.
  5. A well-crafted turn of phrase can make a speech truly memorable.

Origin and History

The expression “turn of phrase” has been a part of the English language for several centuries, evolving in meaning and usage over time. Its origins are rooted in the craftsmanship of language, drawing parallels to various forms of skilled artistry.

The phrase is believed to have originated in the 16th century, initially used to describe the craft of calligraphy. Just as a skilled woodworker turns a piece of wood on a lathe to create a beautiful object, a skilled writer turns a phrase to create a beautiful and expressive sentence.

Earliest Recorded Usage

The earliest known instance of the phrase appears in Matthew Parker’s 1567 work, The Whole Psalter Translated into English Metre, where he writes:

“Then some in prose: most learnedly, have tourned the phrase and worde.”

In this context, “tourned” (turned) refers to the careful crafting of language, akin to the meticulous work of a calligrapher or scribe.

Evolution in the 17th and 18th Centuries

By the 17th century, the phrase began to be used more broadly. A notable example is found in Aphra Behn’s 1688 translation of A Discovery of New Worlds: “The nearer the Idioms or turn of the Phrase of two Languages agree, ’tis the easier to translate one into the other.” Here, “turn of the Phrase” denotes the unique idiomatic expressions characteristic of different languages.

19th Century Usage

In the 19th century, the phrase was used by Benjamin Franklin in 1779. He employed “turn of phrase” to describe a distinctive or characteristic manner of expression.

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