Let’s delve into the profound wisdom of the idiom ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’ We’ll unravel its meaning, trace its origin, explore real-life examples, and even discover quotes where this impactful phrase is cleverly used. Ready for a journey into language? Let’s begin!
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand’ conveys the idea that internal conflicts and disunity within a group or organization weaken it to the point of collapse. The expression emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity for the strength and endurance of any collective entity, whether it be a family, community, or nation.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient times, with variations of the expression found in religious texts and philosophical writings. The phrase gained prominence in the 19th century when it was notably used by Abraham Lincoln in his famous speech on June 16, 1858. Lincoln, addressing the issue of slavery in the United States, declared that a nation divided against itself could not endure.
10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations
1. The family’s constant internal disputes were a house divided against itself, leading to a breakdown in communication and mutual support.
2. The political party’s infighting became a house divided against itself, causing a decline in public trust and support.
3. The lack of collaboration among team members turned the project into a house divided against itself, hindering progress and success.
4. The school board’s conflicting ideologies created a house divided against itself, affecting the implementation of effective education policies.
5. The community’s inability to unite in times of crisis made it a house divided against itself, impeding collective efforts for improvement.
6. The religious congregation’s internal disagreements turned it into a house divided against itself, diminishing the impact of its outreach programs.
7. The company’s management and employees’ lack of cohesion resulted in a house divided against itself, impacting overall productivity and morale.
8. The sports team’s internal conflicts created a house divided against itself, leading to a series of defeats on the field.
9. The nation’s political divisions turned it into a house divided against itself, hindering progress on critical issues.
10. The neighborhood’s failure to address common concerns made it a house divided against itself, diminishing the sense of community.
10 Quotes Using the Idiom
1. “In the tapestry of society, a house divided against itself cannot stand, for unity is the foundation upon which progress is built.” – Unknown
2. “Whether in a family, a community, or a nation, the strength of the collective lies in avoiding the pitfalls of becoming a house divided against itself.” – Unknown
3. “The pages of history reveal the consequences when a house divided against itself succumbs to internal strife, highlighting the fragility of unity.” – Unknown
4. “Leadership requires preventing a house divided against itself, recognizing that true strength arises from the bonds of solidarity.” – Unknown
5. “The preservation of any collective entity hinges on avoiding the perils of becoming a house divided against itself, for internal unity is the cornerstone of endurance.” – Unknown
6. “A nation that forgets the lessons of history risks becoming a house divided against itself, with the potential for internal discord eroding its foundations.” – Unknown
7. “The strength of a community lies in its ability to stand united; a house divided against itself invites the storms of discord that can erode its very structure.” – Unknown
8. “In the journey of progress, a house divided against itself is a stumbling block, hindering the collective stride towards a brighter future.” – Unknown
9. “The fabric of any society is woven with threads of unity, and a house divided against itself risks unraveling the very essence of its existence.” – Unknown
10. “Individual interests must align with the greater good, for a house divided against itself weakens the foundation upon which prosperity stands.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter A
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.
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