thread of life

USAGE SUMMARY

"thread of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that refers figuratively to the idea of interconnectedness. For example, you could use the phrase in the sentence, "The thread of life binds us all together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A third strand consists of images of breath and breathing, the fine thread of life itself.

The Guardian - Books

Now that we were there, it was time to snip that last diaphanous thread of life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos are the spinner, the allotter and the cutter of the thread of life, respectively.

Nature

Three other demigoddesses with analogous functions are preserved in Latvian mythology Dēkla, protector of babies, Kārta, spinner of the thread of life, and Māra, goddess of fertility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the thread of life is being unraveled at a very steady pace, it has already become a part of our lives.

Yale University

LIKE a character in a Greek tragedy whose thread of life was prenatally spun, measured and cut by the three Fates, the new Oldsmobile Bravada was condemned to death even before it was born.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They are all threads of life within my life.

The Guardian - Books

Shrujan/ Threads of Life (www.shrujan.org) sells embroidered products in Mumbai, Amenabad, Vadodara and Bhuj.

The New York Times - Arts

Like some ancient goddess holding in her hand all the threads of life, Miss Cameron is related to just about every important theme in the novel.

The New Yorker

With most of his family still in Sardinia and Julka back in Russia with their two sons, Gramsci realised that letters were now his only means of keeping a grip on what he called "the threads of life".

The Guardian - Books

For textiles, stop in at Threads of Life (Jalan Kajeng 24; 62-361-972187; www.threadsoflife.com), which commissions local weavers to make textiles the same ways their grandmothers did, which is to say painstakingly.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thread of life" when you want to evoke a sense of destiny, interconnectedness, or the delicate nature of existence. It's particularly effective in literary or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "thread of life" in literal contexts. It's a metaphor, so ensure the surrounding text supports a figurative interpretation, not a literal one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thread of life" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It serves as a metaphor for existence, destiny, or the interconnectedness of living beings. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The metaphorical phrase "thread of life" represents destiny, existence, and interconnectedness. It functions as a noun phrase suitable for varied contexts, leaning towards literary and philosophical discussions. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is used uncommonly. Ludwig, confirms its validity and usage across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications. When employing this phrase, remember its figurative nature and align it with a context that evokes destiny and interconnectedness. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's an idiom effectively enriching writing with emotional depth and metaphorical meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lifeline

Focuses on the sustaining or crucial aspect of life.

span of existence

Emphasizes the duration of someone's life.

course of destiny

Highlights the predetermined path or fate.

chain of being

Suggests a hierarchical order and interconnectedness.

web of fate

Conveys the idea of interconnected destinies.

fabric of reality

Highlights life as an integral part of overall reality.

tapestry of time

Suggests a richly woven and complex life.

essence of being

Focuses on the core nature or quality of life.

mortal coil

Refers to the troubles and complexities of earthly life.

divine spark

Emphasizes the spiritual or sacred aspect of life.

FAQs

How can I use "thread of life" in a sentence?

You can use "thread of life" to describe the fragility of existence, as in, "The doctor fought to save the patient's "thread of life"." It can also represent interconnectedness: "The "thread of life" connects all living beings."

What does "thread of life" symbolize?

"Thread of life" often symbolizes destiny, fate, or the delicate and interconnected nature of existence. It's a metaphorical representation of how life is sustained and how different aspects of life are interwoven.

What are some similar phrases to "thread of life"?

Similar phrases include "lifeline", "span of existence", or "course of destiny". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "thread of life" a formal or informal expression?

"Thread of life" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards literary or philosophical discussions rather than everyday conversation.