sackcloth and ashes — ► sackcloth and ashes an expression of extreme sorrow or remorse. [ORIGIN: with allusion to the wearing of sackcloth and having ashes sprinkled on the head as a sign of penitence or mourning (Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11).] Main Entry:… … English terms dictionary
sackcloth and ashes — noun a display of extreme remorse or repentance or grief • Hypernyms: ↑display * * * used with allusion to the wearing of sackcloth and having ashes sprinkled on the head as a sign of penitence or mourning (Matt 11:21) * * * sackcloth and ashes… … Useful english dictionary
sackcloth and ashes — slightly formal if you wear sackcloth and ashes, you show by your behaviour that you are very sorry for something you did wrong. I ve already apologized. How long must I wear sackcloth and ashes before you ll forgive me? … New idioms dictionary
In sackcloth and ashes — Ashes Ash es, n. pl. [OE. asche, aske, AS. asce, [ae]sce, axe; akin to OHG. asca, G. asche, D. asch, Icel. & Sw. aska, Dan. aske, Goth. azgo.] 1. The earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion, as of wood or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
in sackcloth and ashes — phrasal : in a spirit of sorrow, repentance, or humility this, then, is an essay about education by a layman … and it is not written in sackcloth and ashes M.B.Smith * * * in sackcloth and ashes 1. Showing extreme regret, penitence, etc (often… … Useful english dictionary
in sackcloth and ashes — wearing sackcloth and ashes I never thought I d live to see the day that Josie was wearing sackcloth and ashes Syn: penitent, contrite, regretful, sorrowful, rueful, remorseful, apologetic, ashamed, guilt ridden, chastened, shamefaced, guilty … Thesaurus of popular words
wear sackcloth and ashes — If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes … The small dictionary of idiomes
wear sackcloth and ashes — phrase to behave in a way that shows you are extremely sorry about something that you did Thesaurus: to say or show that you are sorrysynonym Main entry: sackcloth … Useful english dictionary
wear sackcloth and ashes — If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes. (Dorking School Dictionary) … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
wearing sackcloth and ashes — See in sackcloth and ashes … Thesaurus of popular words
Wear sackcloth and ashes — If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes … Dictionary of English idioms
