English Idioms

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Out on the town

Meaning

The idiom "out on the town" means to be out and about, enjoying oneself socially or recreationally in public places. It can also mean being away from home or in a new environment, often exploring new things or trying new experiences.

Usage

  • After finishing work, Sarah decided to hit the town with her friends for some fun.
  • The couple went out on the town during their honeymoon, trying all sorts of new activities and cuisines.
  • As a tourist in New York, John loved exploring the city's vibrant nightlife and being out on the town.
  • The group of young adults spent their Saturday night partying and having a blast out on the town.
  • For their anniversary celebration, the couple went out on the town to try some fancy dining and catch a Broadway show. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In the first sentence, it's used in a more casual setting with friends, while in the third sentence, it's used in a more formal setting as part of a honeymoon celebration.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "out on the town" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. One theory suggests that it may have come from the phrase "on the town," which was used in the early days of movies to refer to a city where a film was being shown. Another theory suggests that it may be related to the phrase "out and about," which means being in public places and enjoying oneself socially. Over time, the meaning and usage of the idiom have evolved slightly. In earlier times, it may have been used more literally to refer to going out for a night on the town, but today it can also refer to exploring new environments or trying new things in general.

Synonyms in English

  • Out and about
  • On the loose
  • Hitting the town
  • Going out in public
  • Exploring new things

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: "Sortir" - to go out, leave home
  • Spanish: "Salir" - to go out, leave
  • German: "Ausgehen" - to go out, leave home
  • Italian: "Uscire" - to go out, leave
  • Portuguese: "Sair" - to go out, leave These synonyms convey a similar meaning of going out and about or exploring new things in public places.

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