pass the conch

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass the conch" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to pass an object to another person, often referring to a specific item. For example, you could say: "The captain asked the crew to pass the conch around the table so everyone could have their say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then I'll pass the conch".

The New Yorker

Now we come to the most regrettable part of any Sunday, the Meet The Press panel, where they book five random people to pass the conch around to while the world burns.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I'll give the conch to the next person to speak.

The New Yorker

It alternately whispers like wind passing through conch shells, gurgles like an old man laughing and assaults the senses with cataclysmic thunderclaps.

The New York Times - Arts

Bryozoans commonly occur on the conchs of small orthocones in the Fjäcka Shale.

Plosone

Get the conch shell and lead us!

Huffington Post

Is the conch shell with a rudder silently signaling a return to Africa?

The Guardian - Arts

His symbol is the conch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anybody can have the conch.

The New York Times - Sports

They left the conch on the beach.

The New Yorker

Paul interrupted to nominate the Conch Sucker.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass the conch" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the literal object (a conch shell) or using it metaphorically to represent the right to speak or lead a discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "pass the conch" if your audience is unfamiliar with the reference to 'Lord of the Flies', as it may lead to confusion about its intended meaning. Ensure the phrase's symbolic weight aligns with your writing's tone and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the conch" functions as a verb phrase, where "pass" is the verb and "the conch" is the direct object. Its grammatical role is to describe the action of transferring the conch, either literally or metaphorically as described by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass the conch" is a grammatically correct phrase that, according to Ludwig AI, is perfectly acceptable in written English. While infrequent, its usage is primarily rooted in the literary reference to 'Lord of the Flies', where the conch symbolizes the right to speak. In contemporary use, it carries a neutral to informal tone, often employed metaphorically. The phrase's strongest context lies in News & Media, reflecting its presence in cultural commentary and discussions. When writing with this phrase, consider your audience's familiarity with the reference to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hand over the conch

Focuses on the physical act of transferring the conch.

transfer the conch

Emphasizes the act of moving the conch from one person to another.

give the conch to someone

Highlights the act of bestowing the conch upon another person.

relinquish the conch

Suggests giving up control associated with the conch.

yield the conch

Implies surrendering the right to speak or lead.

cede the conch

Formally handing over the conch, implying a transfer of power.

let someone hold the conch

Focuses on allowing someone else to possess the conch.

give someone the floor

Metaphorically transferring the right to speak, replacing the physical object with the concept of speaking time.

allow someone to speak

Emphasizes granting permission to speak, moving away from the conch's physical presence.

it's your turn to speak

Shifts the focus to the individual's opportunity to contribute.

FAQs

How did the phrase "pass the conch" become popular?

The phrase "pass the conch" gained popularity primarily through its use in William Golding's novel 'Lord of the Flies', where the conch shell symbolizes order and the right to speak during meetings. This literary reference has since permeated popular culture.

What does it mean to "pass the conch"?

To "pass the conch" typically means to give someone the opportunity to speak or lead a discussion, drawing from the symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'. It can also literally mean to hand over a conch shell.

Are there alternative phrases for "pass the conch"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "give someone the floor" or "allow someone to speak" if you want to convey a similar meaning without referencing the specific 'Lord of the Flies' context.

In what kind of situations is it appropriate to use the term "pass the conch"?

The term "pass the conch" is appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of structured discussion and equal opportunity to speak, or when alluding to the themes of order and chaos found in 'Lord of the Flies'.