What Does "Wear Sackcloth and Ashes" Mean?
"Wear sackcloth and ashes" is an English idiom. It means "to show one's penitence or remorse for one's wrongdoings, often in an exaggerated or public manner."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "wear sackcloth and ashes" used in a sentence:- After the scandal, the CEO was practically wearing sackcloth and ashes in every public appearance.
- He wore sackcloth and ashes for weeks after forgetting their anniversary.
- She's so dramatic, always wearing sackcloth and ashes over the smallest things.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Wear Sackcloth and Ashes" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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