moth to a flame
Moth to a Flame
/mɒθ tə ə fleɪm/
Definition
The meaning: The phrase moth to a flame describes an irresistible attraction to something or someone, often leading to harmful or undesirable consequences.
La signification: L'expression moth to a flame décrit une attirance irrésistible vers quelque chose ou quelqu'un, souvent avec des conséquences négatives ou indésirables.
Note: This idiom is commonly used to illustrate situations where people are drawn to things that may not be in their best interest, similar to how moths are drawn to light despite the danger.
Word Analysis
- In French
-
- Comme un papillon attiré par la lumière
- Attirance irrésistible
- Se jeter dans la gueule du loup
- Être attiré malgré le danger
- Synonyms
-
- Irresistible attraction
- Drawn to something
- Magnetised
- Like a fly to manure
Example: "He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, despite knowing the relationship would be complicated."
- Antonyms
-
- Avoidance
- Repulsion
- Disinterest
- Detachment
- Resistance
Example: "She showed complete disinterest in his advances, avoiding him at every opportunity."
Example Dialogue
Lintletse: "Why does Khotso keep texting Mosimoli? Doesn't he know she'll break his heart?"
Mosiuoa: "It's like a moth to a flame, he just can't help himself."
Lintletse: "Well, I hope he doesn't get burned."
Etymology
Origin: The idiom "moth to a flame" comes from the behavior of moths being irresistibly drawn to light sources, often leading to their harm. First appearing in literature in the 16th century, it has been used metaphorically to describe humans irresistibly attracted to something potentially dangerous or destructive.
Shakespeare, among others, used similar imagery to depict the folly of unbridled attraction. Over centuries, it became a common idiom in English and remains widely used to highlight both romantic and situational allure.
Audience
The idiom "moth to a flame" is widely recognised and used in various contexts, from literature and poetry to everyday conversations. It appeals to audiences who appreciate vivid imagery and metaphorical language.
When to use: Ideal for describing scenarios where someone is irresistibly drawn to something, often despite evident risks or dangers. This phrase is particularly popular in romantic contexts, storytelling, and philosophical discussions about human behavior.
Dictionary Meaning
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom "moth to a flame" refers to someone being strongly attracted to a person or thing, often with potentially harmful consequences, and often against the advice of friends and family.
News Snippet
"Gulam Bodi Tweeted: "Hahaha, joke of the day! Trott to home frm the ashes due to stress illness! Bloody man up n take the heat! Stop running for cover." (sic)
He soon deleted his Tweet, offered an apology and wished Trott a speedy recovery. Vitriol followed Bodi like a moth to a flame, but his Tweet should be taken in context.
In a culture where macho manliness is still very prevalent, it’s a timely reminder that there is still a very long way to go in breaking the stigma of any sort of mental illness. Although it should be made clear that Trott’s issue was "stress-related" and not necessarily depression, they are both issues of the mind, which are misunderstood. Stress can be brutal and so can any other form of mental illness.
[The Daily Maverick]
Read the Full Article
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, the idiomatic phrase moth to a flame, watch @FluentExpr's video by clicking on the button below.
Watch the Video, then read the poem below
MOTH
Dad’s typewriter stands
against a wall,
in this room in whose light
he battled flames, his fingers
finding the keys of the typewriter.
Mum says like him we must suffer
a burning, she says there’s no way out.
She says this room is mine now
for me to think moth thoughts.
She says someday I’ll find the key
to peace, and then, like him,
I will not be able to fly anymore.
from Qoaling, Onslaught Press, 2018
WordReference
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English⇄French Forum–Explore translations and language nuances.
Synonyms⇄Antonyms Forum–Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms and Expressions
Moth to a flame: Describes someone who is irresistibly drawn to something, often with harmful consequences.
Like a moth to the flame: Similar to "moth to a flame", it's the idea of being drawn to sth dangerous.
Be drawn like a moth to the flame: Be eagerly drawn or attracted to something.
Burn like a moth: Be consumed by one's own passion or obsession, especially when it leads to self-destruction.
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Photo credit: [[File:Attacus atlas (15050883139).jpg|thumb|Attacus atlas (15050883139)|alt=large reddish-brown moth perched on a leaf]]
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