Word: Bird of Passage
Definition: 1. In a literal sense, a "bird of passage" refers to any bird that migrates from one place to another, usually following a seasonal pattern. This means these birds move to different locations during different times of the year, often to find food or warmer weather. 2. In a figurative sense, it describes a person who leads a wandering or unsettled life, moving from place to place without a permanent home.
Usage Instructions: - When using "bird of passage" to describe a person, you can refer to someone who travels a lot, perhaps for work or exploration, and doesn’t stay in one place for too long.
Examples: - Literal: "The swallows are birds of passage, flying south for the winter and returning in the spring." - Figurative: "After a few years of living in different countries, John realized he was a bird of passage, never really settling down."
Advanced Usage: - In literature or poetry, "bird of passage" can symbolize freedom, adventure, or a search for identity. It might be used to evoke feelings of longing or the desire for change.
Word Variants: - There are no direct variants of the phrase "bird of passage," but related words include "migrate" (verb) and "migration" (noun).
Different Meanings: - The phrase primarily maintains its meanings related to migration and a transient lifestyle. It does not have widely recognized alternative meanings.
Synonyms: - For the literal meaning: migratory bird, nomadic bird. - For the figurative meaning: wanderer, nomad, drifter, traveler.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - While "bird of passage" is an idiomatic expression on its own, you might encounter phrases like "to spread one's wings," which means to explore or venture out, similar to the idea of a bird migrating.
Summary: "Bird of passage" is a versatile term used to describe both migratory birds and people who live a transient lifestyle.