Across the ditch: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Across the ditch” mean?

"Across the ditch" means on the other side of the Tasman Sea, and is used to refer to either Australia or New Zealand depending on the speaker's location.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I'm planning a trip across the ditch to visit my friends in Australia.

Example

She moved across the ditch to New Zealand for a job opportunity.

Example

The rugby match between Australia and New Zealand is a classic across the ditch rivalry

Is “Across the ditch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Across the ditch” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Across the ditch” effectively in context?

You can use "Across the ditch" to refer to either Australia or New Zealand, depending on your location. It's a colloquial expression commonly used by people from one country to refer to the other. For example, if you're in Australia and talking about New Zealand, you might say, 'I'm planning a trip "across the ditch" to visit my friends.' Similarly, if you're in New Zealand and talking about Australia, you could say, 'The rugby match between Australia and New Zealand is a classic "across the ditch" rivalry.'

• 1. Travel

  I'm planning a trip across the ditch to visit my friends in Australia.

• 2. Relocation

  She moved across the ditch to New Zealand for a job opportunity.

• 3. Sports Rivalry

  The rugby match between Australia and New Zealand is a classic across the ditch rivalry.

Similar phrases to “Across the ditch”:

Across the pond

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, used to refer to the United States or the United Kingdom depending on the speaker's location.

Example

He moved across the pond to pursue his career in the United States.

Over the border

In a neighboring country, used to refer to crossing a national border.

Example

They went over the border to shop in the neighboring country.

On the other side

In a different location or country, used to refer to being in a place opposite to the speaker's current location.

Example

She left her hometown and started a new life on the other side of the country.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Across the ditch” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Across the ditch" is unknown.

Is “Across the ditch” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Across the ditch" is a common expression used in everyday conversation, especially among Australians and New Zealanders. It's a lighthearted way to refer to the neighboring country across the Tasman Sea.

What tone does “Across the ditch” have?

"Across the ditch" conveys a friendly and informal tone. It's often used in a casual context when talking about travel, relocation, or sports rivalries between Australia and New Zealand.

Can “Across the ditch” be used in informal and formal settings?

While "Across the ditch" is more commonly used in informal conversations, it can also be used in formal settings when discussing travel, international relations, or cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm planning a trip "across the ditch" to visit my friends.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Heading "across the ditch"!' to imply traveling to the other country.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• down under
• across the tasman
• trans-tasman

Antonyms