en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "No man is an island"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 06/10/2024, 02:24
English.me team member

What does it mean?

No man is an island

The phrase "No man is an island" means that no one is self-sufficient; everyone relies on others to some extent. It highlights the interconnectedness of human beings and emphasizes the necessity of community and support from others.

Tone

Reflective and philosophical

Origin

The phrase originates from a sermon by the English poet John Donne, published in 1624 as part of his work "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions."

Examples of usage

  • Even though he preferred solitude, he eventually understood that no man is an island, and reached out to his friends for help.
  • The community project taught the children that no man is an island, and working together can achieve more than working alone.

Recommended posts in Phrases

Snake in the grass

Snake in the grass

The phrase "snake in the grass" refers to a person ... Learn more →

Let sleeping dogs lie

Let sleeping dogs lie

The phrase "Let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering ... Learn more →

Everyone has their price

Everyone has their price

The phrase means that every person can be persuaded to ... Learn more →

Out of sight, out of mind

Out of sight, out of mind

The phrase means that if something or someone is not ... Learn more →