ancient expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a phrase or saying that has been used for a long time, often with historical or cultural significance. Example: "The ancient expression 'know thyself' has been a guiding principle for philosophers throughout history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ka/Ks in rac1ab is similar to rac1b, the corresponding TSGD paralog of rac1aa and rac1ab; however, it is significantly greater in rac1aa, and it is rac1ab that is overexpressed in all tissues in all species compared with rac1aa, although at the same expression level than other GTPases and its ohnolog rac1b, probably reflecting the ancient expression level.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ancient expressions like "full moon," "half-moon," "last-quarter-moon" continued to be used but were really only figures of speech: how could we call "full" a shape that was all cracks and holes and that always seemed on the point of crashing down on our heads in a shower of rubble?

The New Yorker

On the one hand, Runx orthologues of nematode, sea urchin, amphioxus and mammals (Runx3) are expressed in the gut [ 52- 55], suggesting an ancient endodermal expression inherited from the urbilateria.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"Time flies" is an ancient metaphorical expression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Greece "we have no word for it except for the ancient Greek expression 'to guide the soul'.

The Guardian - Film

JERUSALEM — With Hebrew phrases, testaments to Israel's ancient roots, expressions of deep admiration and displays of empathy, President Obama has captured the hearts of many here over the past two days, appearing to erase years of skepticism and wariness overnight.

The New York Times

Ethiopia represents one of the church's most ancient national expressions.

Huffington Post

Once, when the irate Liverpool manager, Bob Paisley, threatened to take Ellis outside and "part your hair" (an ancient County Durham expression denoting a sound thrashing), Ellis reached into his top pocket, pulled out a comb and said: "There you are, Bob.

The Guardian - Sport

P-Orridge was initially concerned that there would be a conceptual clash in the process of bringing these ancient modes of expression into the present.

Vice

Our results suggest a more ancient origin for Hoxd expression in the distal aspect of the fin buds and in the cloaca.

Plosone

"The ancient Greeks used the expression 'to honor Pan' to mean male homosexual activity," Ivry reminds us.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "ancient expression", consider providing context to help your audience understand its origin and significance. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all readers are familiar with the meaning of an "ancient expression". Always ensure that its use is appropriate for your target audience and that the intended meaning is clear to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient expression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a saying, idiom, or term that has origins in the distant past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient expression" correctly refers to a saying or term that has been in use for a considerable time. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically sound and its use spans across various contexts including news, science, and encyclopedias. When incorporating this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context for better audience comprehension and prevent misinterpretations. Alternatives include "historical phrase" and "old saying", offering nuanced ways to convey the age and relevance of a phrase. Overall, "ancient expression" is a valuable term for historical or cultural discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old expression

A simpler, more direct way of referring to an expression that is not new.

age-old expression

Emphasizes the great age of the expression, suggesting it has been used for a very long time.

historical phrase

Replaces "ancient" with "historical", focusing on the phrase's connection to the past and its role in history.

antiquated term

Emphasizes the outdated nature of the expression, suggesting it is no longer in common use.

archaic saying

Highlights the old-fashioned quality of the expression, implying it belongs to an earlier period.

traditional idiom

Focuses on the expression as a conventional figure of speech passed down through generations.

time-honored phrase

Highlights the respect and reverence associated with the expression due to its long-standing use.

classic locution

Presents the expression as a model or standard example of speech from the past.

venerable saying

Implies the expression is respected and admired because of its age and historical importance.

bygone phrase

Suggests the expression is no longer in use or relevant to contemporary language.

FAQs

How can I use "ancient expression" in a sentence?

You can use "ancient expression" to refer to a saying or phrase that has been used for a very long time. For example: "The "ancient expression" 'know thyself' is still relevant today."

What's a less formal way to say "ancient expression"?

A less formal way to say "ancient expression" could be "old saying" or "old phrase".

Is it better to use "historical phrase" or "ancient expression"?

The choice between "historical phrase" and "ancient expression" depends on the context. "Ancient expression" emphasizes the age of the phrase, while "historical phrase" emphasizes its connection to history.

What are some examples of an ancient expression?

Examples of an ancient expression include "a stitch in time saves nine", "look before you leap", and "actions speak louder than words".