The phrase “as wise as Solomon” refers to King Solomon, a figure in the Bible known for his exceptional wisdom. Solomon was the son of King David and became the king of Israel. He is famous for making wise judgments, including the well-known story of resolving a dispute between two women over a child by proposing to divide the child in two. This act of wisdom led to the true mother revealing herself. The phrase is now commonly used to describe someone who is very wise and insightful.
Meaning of “as wise as Solomon”
(As) wise as Solomon
Used to describe someone who possesses great wisdom, insight, and good judgment.
Example:
“If you are in trouble, get Chris to advise you. He’s as wise as Solomon.”
Example:
“This is a difficult problem. You’d need to be as wise as Solomon to be able to solve it.”
Usage examples of “as wise as Solomon”
Literal use:
“We turned to the judge, who was as wise as Solomon, to settle the case fairly.”
“Her decision was as wise as Solomon, considering all the factors before making a final call.”
Figurative use (exceptional judgment):
“When it comes to career advice, I always ask my mentor because she’s as wise as Solomon.”
“The team was stuck on a tricky issue, but then John came in with an answer that was as wise as Solomon.”
Tone and context
Highly respectful and reverential:
This phrase is used with a tone of respect and admiration for someone’s exceptional wisdom and discernment.
Biblical reference:
King Solomon’s wisdom is a well-known story from the Bible, often cited as a benchmark for unparalleled understanding and fairness. The phrase continues to carry its biblical origins, evoking images of the ancient king’s legendary judgment.
Related expressions
“A Solomon-like judgment”
Refers to a judgment or decision that is considered very wise, often in the context of resolving disputes fairly.
Example:
“His Solomon-like judgment made the best of a bad situation.”
“Wisdom of the ages”
A phrase that refers to timeless wisdom, similar to that attributed to Solomon.
Example:
“Her advice was grounded in the wisdom of the ages, like the teachings of Solomon.”
The idiom “as wise as Solomon” remains a powerful compliment to someone known for their profound wisdom and sound judgment. It’s a way to convey the idea that someone is exceptionally thoughtful and discerning, much like the biblical King Solomon. Would you like to explore more idioms related to wisdom, or perhaps dive into other biblical references in common expressions?
