Under the Sun

Meaning

• Everything in existence or possible: Refers to anything and everything that exists in the world or universe. It is often used to convey a broad scope of possibilities or matters.
• In the world, on Earth, or in life: Implies all things present or happening on Earth or in life, emphasizing the entire range of options, events, or objects.
• Within the scope of human experience or reality: This phrase is used to indicate anything that can be thought of or experienced by humans.
• Involving everything that is conceivable: It describes a situation where all potential options or things are considered or mentioned.
• Something existing or happening that isn't unique or new: This phrase often conveys the idea that something has already occurred or existed before, and nothing is truly novel or exceptional.

Example Sentences

1. He tried every solution under the sun to fix the broken machine.
2. There's nothing new under the sun in the fashion industry; trends always come back.
3. They discussed every topic under the sun during their long road trip.
4. We've been through every emotion under the sun this past year.
5. She bought everything under the sun for the party, from balloons to exotic foods.

Origin and History

The phrase "under the sun" has deep historical and literary origins. Its earliest known usage is found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ecclesiastes (1:9), where the phrase reflects a sense of inevitability and repetition: "There is nothing new under the sun." This biblical text emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and human endeavors, implying that everything happening now has already occurred in some form. The use of "under the sun" in this context is metaphorical, referring to the earthly realm and the totality of human experience.

Middle English and Later Literature

The phrase continued to appear in English literature during the Middle Ages, with versions like "under þe sonne" (Middle English) used to express the scope of human existence or the totality of available knowledge. It has since evolved into a broader idiom used to emphasize the comprehensiveness or inclusiveness of a given subject. It is often used to describe a wide range of things or ideas, as in "everything under the sun" being available or known.

Expansion of Meaning Over Time

Over centuries, "under the sun" has been used in both literal and figurative ways, often associated with warmth, light, or the natural world. In modern contexts, it still retains its ancient metaphorical meaning but is frequently employed to express a comprehensive range of topics or things. For example, one might say, "I've tried every solution under the sun," to emphasize an exhaustive effort. This usage continues the tradition of highlighting the breadth of experience or knowledge encompassed by the phrase.

Cultural Theories and Variations

While the biblical origin is the most commonly cited, there are theories suggesting that the phrase could also stem from the universal human experience of observing the sun as a constant in daily life. This has led to its usage in many cultures as a way to express the shared reality of life on Earth. Similar phrases exist in other languages, often tied to the same theme of timelessness and repetition.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest recorded instance of "under the sun" in English literature appears in translations of the Bible from the 16th century. However, it can be traced back even further in various religious texts and oral traditions. Additionally, the phrase was frequently used in Renaissance literature to discuss the scope of worldly knowledge, and it can be found in many works from this period, including Shakespeare's plays.

In summary, the phrase "under the sun" carries rich historical weight, drawing from biblical texts to emphasize life's cyclical nature and the limitations of human experience. Today, its usage has expanded beyond religious contexts to convey inclusivity, knowledge, and experience across cultures and languages.

Synonyms

Variants

• nothing new under the sun (suggesting nothing is truly new)
• everything under the sun (to emphasize completeness or variety)