Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "S"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Sackcloth And Ashes
"Sackcloth and ashes" is a phrase that represents humility, sorrow, and repentance. It comes from an ancient practice where people would wear rough, coarse sackcloth and cover themselves with ashes as a sign of mourning or to demonstrate deep regret for their actions or sins. In modern usage, the term is often figurative, referring to a state of contrition or penitence.
Sacra Corona Unita
"Sacra Corona Unita" is an Italian phrase that translates to "Holy United Crown" in English. It has historical and religious connotations, referring to the idea of a crown representing unity among various kingdoms or regions under a shared spiritual authority, such as the Catholic Church. However, it is also known as the name of an Italian organized crime group operating in the Apulia region, involved in activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. They chose this name to exploit the symbolic significance and veil their criminal operations.
Sad But True
The phrase "sad but true" means that something is unfortunate or disheartening, but it is an undeniable fact or reality. It acknowledges the unpleasantness of a situation while accepting its truth.
Safe And Sound
"Safe and sound" means that someone or something is in a state of being unharmed and well, both physically and emotionally. It implies that the person or object has reached a place of safety without any harm or incident.
Saint Ann's Bay
Saint Ann's Bay is a geographical location, typically referring to a bay named after Saint Ann. It could be a body of water, often sheltered by land, associated with a town or region dedicated to or named after Saint Ann, which is a common name for churches and places in Catholic and Christian traditions. Saint Ann is the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus in Christian belief.
Saint Francis Of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi is a Catholic saint who lived in the 12th and 13th centuries. He was born in Assisi, Italy, and is known for his deep devotion to God, his love for nature, and his commitment to living a simple, humble life. Francis founded the Franciscan Order, which emphasizes poverty, humility, and direct service to others, especially the poor. He is also recognized for his compassion towards animals and is often depicted with birds and other creatures. Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
"Saint Vincent and the Grenadines" is a country located in the Caribbean. It consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of smaller islands known as the Grenadines. It is a tropical destination known for its beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and sailing.
Salle Des Croisades
The "Salle des Croisades" is a room or hall named after the Crusades, a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land that took place between the 11th and 13th centuries. This could be a historical exhibit, museum section, or a conference room where events related to this period of history are showcased or discussed. The term suggests that the space contains artifacts, artwork, or other representations connected to the Crusades.
Salt And Pepper
"Salt and pepper" is a common phrase used to describe a combination of two things that are often paired together, typically referring to the condiments salt and pepper used to season food. It can also metaphorically represent a mix of contrasting elements, such as people of different ages, races, or personalities.
Salt And Vinegar
"Salt and vinegar" refers to a combination of salt and vinegar, typically used as a flavoring for food, especially for snacks like chips. The phrase can also evoke a sense of a tangy, salty taste.
Salt Lake City
"Salt Lake City" is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Utah. It is located in the Salt Lake Valley, surrounded by the Wasatch Range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the northwest. The city is known for its Mormon heritage, as it is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers. Salt Lake City has significant cultural, recreational, and economic activities, including the Salt Lake Temple, Temple Square, and the annual Sundance Film Festival.
Salt Of The Earth
The phrase "salt of the earth" refers to a person who is honest, dependable, and has strong moral principles. They are considered valuable and essential members of society, much like salt is a basic and important seasoning in cooking.
Salut Des Armes
"Salut des armes" is a French phrase that translates to "Salute to weapons" or "Hail arms" in English. It is often used to acknowledge or honor the weapons or arms being used, typically in a military or ceremonial context.
Same Ol' Same Ol'
"Same ol' same ol'" is an idiomatic expression that means "the usual, nothing new or different; status quo." It's often used to describe a situation or routine that remains unchanged or uneventful.
Same Old Same Old
"Same old, same old" is an idiomatic expression that means something is unchanged or remains the same as it has always been. It's often used to describe a situation or routine that is familiar and unvarying.
Same Ole Same Ole
The phrase "same ole same ole" means something is unchanged or routine, referring to a situation that remains the same and lacks excitement or variety.
Same To You
"Same to you" is a response or greeting that expresses mutual sentiment. When someone says "Happy birthday," "Have a good day," or "Best wishes," and you reply with "Same to you," you're essentially wishing them the same thing in return. It's a friendly way of acknowledging and reciprocating the positive sentiment.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher who lived from 1772 to 1834. He was a key figure in the Romantic movement in English literature and is best known for his poems "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan," as well as his critical work, "Biographia Literaria." Coleridge often collaborated with his friend William Wordsworth, and their joint publication, "Lyrical Ballads," helped to launch the Romantic era.
San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is a large agricultural region in the state of California, United States. It is located in the southern part of the Central Valley and stretches approximately 250 miles (400 km) from north to south, bordered by the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west. The valley is known for its fertile soil, warm climate, and production of various crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. It is also home to several cities, such as Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California, United States. It is known for its charming downtown area, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and nearby natural attractions like Morro Bay and the Los Padres National Forest.
San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosí is a city and state located in central Mexico. The phrase refers to either the capital city of the state or the state itself, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes.
San Miguel De Tucuman
San Miguel de Tucumán is a city located in northern Argentina. It is the capital of the province of Tucumán and is known for its rich history, being the site where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was signed in 1816. The phrase refers to this specific location.
Santiago De Los Caballeros
"Santiago de los Caballeros" is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. The name translates to "St. James of the Knights" in English. It was founded in 1495 and has historical significance, as it was named in honor of St. James and the Spanish knights who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his expeditions.
Sao Bernardo Do Campo
"São Bernardo do Campo" is a city located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is part of the Greater São Paulo metropolitan area and is known for its industrial activity, cultural events, and historical significance.
Sao Jose Dos Campos
"São José dos Campos" is a city located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is an important industrial and technological center with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Sao Tome And Principe
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island country located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. It consists of two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, along with several smaller islets. The country has a rich history, being a former Portuguese colony, and it is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Its capital city is São Tomé.
Sault Ste Marie
"Sault Ste. Marie" is a city located in Ontario, Canada, and also in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States. The name refers to the rapids (the "sault" part) on the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The "Ste. Marie" part comes from the French for "Saint Mary." It's an important transportation hub and has a rich history dating back to fur trading and the indigenous Anishinaabe people.
Saut De Basque
"Saut de Basque" is a French phrase that refers to a traditional Basque dance step. It involves a lively jump or leap, typically performed by dancers during Basque folk dances. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, energetic action or a bold move.
Saut De Chat
"Saut de chat" is a French phrase that translates to "cat jump" in English. In dance, it refers to a specific step or movement, particularly in ballet, where the dancer performs a leap, jumping from one foot to the other, with legs in a split position in the air before landing. It's also known as a "split jump."
Sauve Qui Peut
"Sauve qui peut" is a French idiomatic phrase that translates to "every man for himself" or "each one for themselves". It is often used to describe a situation where people are struggling to survive or escape, and it is every individual's responsibility to look out for their own safety and well-being, rather than relying on others. In essence, it implies a sense of chaos, panic, and self-preservation in the face of adversity.
Say It Again
The phrase "say it again" means to request someone to repeat what they have just said, typically because the listener did not hear or understand it the first time.
Say No More
"Say no more" is an idiomatic expression that means "I understand, I don't need to hear any more information about it." It's often used when someone has made a point or shared a situation, and the listener gets the message and doesn't require additional details.
Scenes A Faire
"Scenes à faire" is a French term that refers to a set of expected or conventional actions or events in a particular situation, especially in a narrative or dramatic work. It means "scenes to be made" or "scenes that must happen." In storytelling, it refers to clichéd or predictable moments that the audience expects to see, such as a romantic encounter in a love story or a hero saving the day in an action film. These scenes often follow established genre conventions and can contribute to the overall structure or progression of the plot.
School Of Thought
A "school of thought" refers to a group of people who share similar ideas, beliefs, or philosophical principles, often within a particular field or discipline. It represents a distinct approach or perspective on a subject, and members of that school tend to influence and support each other's work.
Scientia Vincere Tenebras
"Scientia vincere tenebras" is a Latin phrase that translates to "knowledge conquers darkness." It emphasizes the power of knowledge and education in overcoming ignorance, confusion, or enlightenment.
Scio Cui Credidi
The phrase "scio cui credidi" is a Latin phrase that translates to "I know whom I have believed."