The phrase "a grand gesture" signifies an action that's done in a big, showy manner, typically to express affection or make amends. It's often associated with significant actions taken to impress, apologize, or show a profound emotion towards someone else.
In short:
"A grand gesture" refers to an action that is done on a large scale or in an extravagant manner to express strong feelings or to make a powerful impact.
The idiom "a grand gesture" conveys an exaggerated action meant to express affection or emotion in a dramatic, memorable way. If someone makes a grand gesture, they are doing something to show how much they care in an ostentatious, symbolic manner.
Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:
The phrase "a grand gesture" is relatively modern and has unclear origins. It is made up of two words: "grand" and "gesture." The word "grand" comes from the Latin word "grandis," which means "great" or "large." This word traveled through Old French, where it was known as "grant" or "grand."
The word "gesture," on the other hand, came from the Medieval Latin word "gestūra." This word means "mode of action" or "manner." So, when we put these two words together, a "grand gesture" would simply mean a large or great action or manner of performing something.
"Gandhi, on his part, probably hoped that apart from his action being viewed as a grand gesture of accommodation and compromise, it would take the wind out of the sails of the Leftists at Haripura just as a similar strategy in the case of Nehru had done at Lahore eight years earlier."
- A Beacon Across Asia, 1996
Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:
The phrase "a grand gesture" usually appears in romantic movies or novels where characters make significant, showy actions to express love or make amends.
Some examples include:
There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "a grand gesture."
Some of these include:
You can use these alternatives interchangeably depending on the context and the scale of the action involved.
"A grand gesture" means an action that is done on a large scale or in an extravagant manner to express strong feelings or to make a powerful impact.
"For their anniversary, he made a grand gesture by surprising her with a trip to Paris."
The phrase is relatively modern, originating from the idea of courtly love where knights would perform grand gestures to express their devotion to a lady.
Yes, "a grand gesture" can be used in both formal and informal written communication, including letters, emails, and literary works.
"A grand gesture" is widely used in English-speaking countries and is generally understood across different regions.
Yes, the phrase is not context-specific and can be used by anyone in any situation that involves significant or dramatic actions.
Yes, it can be used when discussing a group's actions, such as "the community made a grand gesture by organizing a cleanup."
Yes, it can be used to express commitment or dedication, particularly when the action taken is significant or requires considerable effort or resources.
While both phrases involve actions to express a sentiment, "a grand gesture" refers to a significant or extravagant action, whereas "a small token" refers to a modest or simple action.
Yes, "a grand gesture" is often used in romantic contexts to describe extravagant actions taken to express love or devotion.
The idiom "a grand gesture" describes an action that is undertaken on a large scale or in an extravagant way to express strong feelings, make amends, or leave a powerful impact. It is applicable in a variety of contexts, from romantic situations to express love or devotion to apologies where someone wants to make up for a wrong done.
Key aspects of the phrase:
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize the scale or impact of an action or when describing dramatic, significant actions taken to express emotions or make amends.
