WOW Word-Of-the-Week #426: Idiom
October 3, 2012 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #426: Idiom
Idiom – an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up. For example, raining cats and dogs.
Have you ever had someone make up stories so they would make you look bad in the eyes of others? When someone insults you are you able to stay calm and not take it personal? When you have been “wronged” do you feel a need to seek revenge or carry the anger?
My dear sweet husband Chris has always said to me “Be the Bigger Person” whenever I was upset because I felt “wronged” in some way. So I looked it up and this is what it means – being mature; non reactive to insults and/or attacks by a vindictive person. 
Then I found these other idioms that I thought applied as well.
“Turn the Other Cheek” – to decide not to do anything to hurt someone who has hurt you.
“Bear a Grudge” – to continue to feel angry or not friendly towards someone who has done something to upset you in the past.
When you read these idioms what comes up for you? Can you remember the last time you were “wronged?” What was your reaction? What I have learned is the only one who suffers is the one who continues to carry and harbor the ill will of “the wrong.” Life is too short! (and I know Karma will take care of it eventually) You also have the choice of deciding to keep or eliminate those people from your life.
This week’s focus is on the idiom that most hits home with you. Do you have a tendency to “Bear a Grudge” and stay angry? Have you been able to “Turn the Other Cheek” when someone has hurt you? Have you ever been the “Bigger Person?” If you answered yes to any of these my question is, “How did that make you feel?”
Reader Responses
“This WOW was right on time. I’ve been going through so much recently with my employees I was thinking about ways I could get them back for causing me grief. You may call it the “Word of the Week” but I believe God spoke through you to me; so now I will forgive those who have wronged me and pray for them. Thank you.” – Mona
“Good one Sooz. Chris is right. We need to all try to “Be the bigger person.” Love ya, mean it” – Elaine
“We are always taught to turn the other cheek, but we all know how difficult it can be sometimes. I find it important to consider the source of the insults. In many instances, these people have insecurities and idiosyncrasies they have not dealt with in their lives and take out their own anger on others. It is not fair, but I see it every day in the workplace. I see it especially with managers who are put in charge of others but don’t have the skills to deal well with people. Mostly because they don’t have the experience. I have dealt with managers whose job is their life. Their home lives are nothing to write home about (sorry about the pun), and wind up being very domineering of others in the workplace. It is not fun to watch. I am a big believer in karma, and that what goes around does indeed come around. And when karma hits, it is how those people respond. Some will honestly take a long look into the mirror and attempt to change their ways, while others will simply blame it on someone or something else. As we all know, resentments are a killer. Carrying them around allows other people to live inside our heads. If and when we ever get the opportunity to get even, then everything will be alright. But getting even is wasted energy that does not allow us to move forward with our lives. Reliving slights, real and imagined, does not allow us to live in the present moment; it just keeps us in the past. It reminds me of a quote from Jill Uris’s book about Ireland entitled “A Terrible Beauty.” There is a quote somewhere in the book that says, “There is no future in Ireland. It is just the past happening over and over again.” If we give in to our resentments, we will fall into that insanity trap. It is no way to live. Great word, Susan. But I tend to use the word colloquial. Have a great weekend.” – “Warrior” Jo