CAVES IN Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "caves in" is an idiomatic expression with multiple meanings depending on the context. One of its primary definitions is to describe the act of yielding or surrendering under pressure or persuasion. When someone "caves in," they give in to an argument, request, or demand, usually against their initial resistance or reluctance. This can imply a partial or complete surrender, often resulting from intense pressure, persuasion, or an overwhelming display of force or evidence.
The phrase can also refer to the act of physically collapsing or giving way. In this sense, "caves in" describes a structure or object, such as a roof, wall, or ceiling, collapsing inward due to damage, weakness, or external factors. It signifies the event when something collapses or crumbles under stress, causing the surrounding material to fall inward and create a hollow space or depression.
The use of "caves in" can also be metaphorical to describe someone's emotional or psychological response. When a person "caves in" emotionally, they experience a sudden and intense eruption of emotion, often as a result of repressed feelings, stress, or overwhelming circumstances. This type of collapse may involve crying, breakdowns, or displaying extreme emotional vulnerability.
The phrase "caves in" captures the essence of giving in, yielding, or surrendering either physically, intellectually, emotionally, or metaphorically, depending on the context in which it is used.
Common Misspellings for CAVES IN
- xaves in
- vaves in
- faves in
- daves in
- czves in
- csves in
- cwves in
- cqves in
- caces in
- cabes in
- cafes in
- cavws in
- cavss in
- cavds in
- cavrs in
- cav4s in
- cav3s in
- cavea in
- cavez in
- caves un
Etymology of CAVES IN
The phrase "caves in" is derived from the word "cave", which originated from Middle English "cave" or "caven", ultimately derived from the Latin word "cavus", meaning hollow. In its literal sense, "caves in" refers to the action of a cave collapsing or falling inward.
Figuratively, "caves in" has come to represent surrender, yielding, or giving in to pressure or demands. This usage originated in the early 19th century and is likely derived from the visual image of a cave collapsing due to external force, implying that someone has given up or relented.
Idioms with the word CAVES IN
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the roof caves in
The idiom "the roof caves in" means that a situation or event has taken a sudden turn for the worse, often resulting in chaos, destruction, or complete failure. It implies that something unexpected and disastrous has happened, similar to the collapsing of a roof.
Similar spelling words for CAVES IN
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