know someone in the biblical sense
Meaning: To have had sex with someone.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “"So you two know each other?" "Not in the biblical sense, if that's what you're asking."”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Older English Bible translations use "know" for sexual relations, as in Genesis 4:1 in the King James Version (1611): "Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived." The jokey phrase "in the biblical sense" is a modern way of pointing to that usage.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Connaître bibliquement — literally: To know biblically
More idioms — Daily Life
- a last stand — A final, determined effort to resist, usually when defeat is likely.
- you could hear a pin drop — It was completely silent.
- just to be on the safe side — As an extra precaution, even if it is probably unnecessary.
- perfidious Albion — A mocking name for England or Britain as treacherous and untrustworthy.
- the be-all and end-all — The most important thing, or the only thing that matters.
- year in, year out — Continually, every year without change.
More English idioms
- in one's birthday suit — Completely naked.
- throw caution to the wind — To stop being careful and take a risk.
- the die is cast — A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
- sell one's soul to the devil — To give up one's principles in exchange for money, power or success.
- eat humble pie — To admit one was wrong and apologize humbly.
- sign one's own death warrant — To do something that will cause one's own ruin.
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