CHURCH MOUSE Meaning and
Definition
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A "church mouse" refers to a common idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacking in financial resources. It is an expression often used to emphasize the extreme poverty of an individual or a family. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the context of the church and its association with quietness or silence, as well as its historical associations with poverty and charity.
The dictionary definition of a "church mouse" depicts a person or a family who is as poor as a mouse residing in a church. The phrase carries connotations of an individual or group living in complete poverty or utter destitution, with no means to sustain themselves financially. It underscores their inability to meet even the most basic needs, highlighting a state of deep deprivation.
The expression is often used figuratively to describe someone who is so poor that they have no wealth or possessions. Additionally, it can be utilized to describe situations where there is an evident lack of resources or financial means. The phrase "poor as a church mouse" is commonly used in casual conversations and literary works to create vivid imagery and emphasize extreme poverty.
In conclusion, a "church mouse" is a metaphorical term that signifies abject poverty or lack of material resources. It underscores the dire financial circumstances of an individual, conveying a strong sense of destitution and deprivation.
Common Misspellings for CHURCH MOUSE
- xhurch mouse
- vhurch mouse
- fhurch mouse
- dhurch mouse
- cgurch mouse
- cburch mouse
- cnurch mouse
- cjurch mouse
- cuurch mouse
- cyurch mouse
- chyrch mouse
- chhrch mouse
- chjrch mouse
- chirch mouse
- ch8rch mouse
- ch7rch mouse
- chuech mouse
- chudch mouse
- chufch mouse
Etymology of CHURCH MOUSE
The phrase church mouse is a metaphorical expression used to describe someone who is extremely poor or destitute. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the context of the church buildings and their association with poverty.
In medieval times, churches were often seen as places of refuge for the destitute and homeless. People living in poverty would seek shelter in the churches, which often had mice infestations due to the presence of food like grains and candles. Church buildings were generally untouched by human activities during the week, allowing the mice to thrive undisturbed.
The phrase poor as a church mouse emerged from this association with poverty. It gained popularity and eventually evolved into the modern expression church mouse.
Idioms with the word CHURCH MOUSE
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poor as a church mouse (or as church mice)
The idiom "poor as a church mouse (or as church mice)" refers to a person or group that is extremely poor or lacking in financial resources. It emphasizes a state of extreme poverty, often with the connotation of being very humble and living a frugal lifestyle. The comparison to a church mouse suggests that the person or group's financial situation is so dire that it is comparable to the humble existence of a mouse living in a church, which has no possessions and survives on crumbs or scraps of food.
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*poor as a church mouse
The idiom "poor as a church mouse" is used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacking in material wealth. It refers to the idea that church mice are poor because they are often found in old, poorly maintained buildings such as churches where food is scarce.
Similar spelling words for CHURCH MOUSE
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