The phrase "thing with feathers" is a poetic expression that originally comes from the opening line of Emily Dickinson's famous poem, "Hope is the thing with feathers". This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe hope, which is intangible yet ever-present in human hearts. It symbolizes the lightness, comfort, and resilience that hope brings in times of uncertainty or despair.
In the context of Dickinson's poem, "thing with feathers" refers to hope, personifying it as a bird with feathers. This depiction suggests that hope is fragile and delicate, yet capable of soaring to great heights. The "feathers" symbolize its ability to uplift, lighten burdens, and provide solace during difficult times. Like a bird, hope is seen as something that can fly away and return, representing its transient, yet enduring nature.
Beyond its specific association with Dickinson's poem, the phrase "thing with feathers" has taken on a broader meaning in everyday language. It has become a metaphorical representation for any intangible concept or abstract idea that possesses qualities of resilience, optimism, and buoyancy. Similar to hope, it embodies the notion that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always a glimmer of optimism or possibility.
Overall, "thing with feathers" symbolizes hope and encompasses the essence of positivity, resilience, and optimism in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
