Down to earth

Meaning

The idiom "down to earth" is used to describe someone who is practical, straightforward, and grounded in reality. It suggests that the person is not pretentious or flashy, but rather down-to-earth and focused on what's important.

Usage

• "My grandma may be old, but she's still as down to earth as they come."
• "I prefer people who are down to earth and don't show off their wealth."
• "The CEO of the company is very down to earth and always approaches employees with an open mind."
• "I appreciate people who are down to earth and not afraid to get their hands dirty."
• "When you're traveling abroad, it's important to stay grounded and down to earth with the local culture."

Roots and History

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it has been used since at least the 17th century in English literature. One of the earliest known uses of the idiom was in a poem by John Milton called "Ode on a Grecian Urn," where he described the statues on the vase as being "down to earth." The phrase has become more common in modern times and has been used in various contexts, including politics, business, and everyday conversation.

Synonyms in English

• Practical
• Straightforward
• Grounded
• Down-to-earth
• Realistic

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Terre à terre (literally "earth to earth")
• Spanish: Terrenal (similar in meaning to "down-to-earth")
• Italian: Terroso (similar in meaning to "grounded")
• German: Gründlichkeit (meaning "practicality")
• Portuguese: Calçadão (a type of street pavement that is often associated with practicality)

Similar Idioms

• do or die

• de jure

• black mood