English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Alpha and omega

Meaning

The idiom "alpha and omega" refers to someone or something that is the first and last, or complete and comprehensive. It can also be used to describe a person or thing that has power or control over others, or that is the most important or significant in a particular context.

Usage

  • The alpha and omega of the company was the CEO, who had ultimate decision-making power.
  • The book served as an alpha and omega for students studying history.
  • The city was the alpha and omega of the region's economic growth.
  • The musician was the alpha and omega of the genre, with a unique sound that set them apart from others.
  • The athlete was the alpha and omega of their sport, winning every game they played.

Roots and History

The idiom "alpha and omega" has its roots in religious and biblical language, where alpha and omega were the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively. In Christianity, Jesus is often referred to as the Alpha and Omega, representing his role as both the beginning and end of all things. The idiom has been used since at least the Middle Ages, with early recorded uses appearing in Latin and English texts. Over time, the meaning and usage of the idiom have evolved to reflect changing cultural and linguistic contexts. Today, it is commonly used in contemporary language to describe someone or something that is complete or comprehensive, and that has power or control over others.

Synonyms in English

  • Beginning and end
  • First and last
  • Supreme being
  • Ultimate authority
  • All-encompassing

Synonyms in other languages

  • Alpha et Omega (French) - This is the direct translation of the English idiom, and has a similar meaning.
  • Alfa e Ómega (Portuguese) - This Portuguese version is also a direct translation, and has the same meaning as the English idiom.
  • А и О (Russian) - This Russian version uses the Cyrillic letters for alpha and omega, and also means "A and O," which can be translated to "first and last" in English.
  • アオー (Japanese) - This Japanese version is a combination of the kanji characters for alpha and omega, and has the same meaning as the English idiom.
  • A和Ω (Korean) - This Korean version is similar to the Japanese version, using the hangul letters for alpha and omega, and also means "A and O," which can be translated to "first and last" in English.

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