English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Laughter is the best medicine
Meaning
The idiom "laughter is the best medicine" means that laughing can help alleviate physical and emotional pain, as well as improve overall health and well-being. It suggests that laughter has therapeutic effects and can be used as a treatment for various ailments. The phrase implies that laughter is more effective than medication or other forms of medical treatment.
Usage
- "After going through a difficult breakup, my friend suggested we watch a comedy movie to help me laugh through the pain."
- "My grandma always said that laughter is the best medicine for ailments like arthritis and headaches."
- "When I'm feeling down, I try to find something funny to watch or read to boost my mood."
- "Laughter can be used as a way to cope with stress and anxiety, even in the workplace."
- "During my chemotherapy treatments, I found that watching stand-up comedy helped me take my mind off of the pain and focus on something else."
Roots and History
The idiom "laughter is the best medicine" has been used for centuries to suggest that laughter has medicinal qualities. The phrase comes from ancient Greek and Roman medical texts, which suggested that laughter could be used as a way to relieve physical ailments like headaches, stomach aches, and even tooth pain. However, it was not until the 19th century that the idiom gained widespread popularity in English literature. In 1814, the poet Thomas Babington Macaulay wrote, "Laughter is the great medicine." The phrase has since been used in various forms of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and books, and has become a common expression used to suggest that laughter can be a powerful tool for improving health and well-being.
Synonyms in English
- "Smiling is the best medicine."
- "Mirth is the best medicine."
- "Joy is the best medicine."
- "Giggles are the best medicine."
- "Cheerfulness is the best medicine."
Synonyms in other languages
- In French, "Rire est la meilleure médicine" (Laughter is the best medicine)
- In Italian, "Ridere è il miglior rimedio" (Laughing is the best remedy)
- In Spanish, "El reír es la mejor medicina" (Laughing is the best medicine)
- In German, "Gesundheit ist der beste Arzt" (Good health is the best doctor)
- In Japanese, "笑っている人は健康だから彼らを愛しましょう" (Those who laugh are healthy, so let's love them)