What does “Life is but a span.” mean?
"Life is but a span" means that life is short and should be lived to the fullest, as time passes quickly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't waste your time worrying about the small things. Life is but a span. Enjoy every moment and make the most of it.
Example
We often get caught up in our daily routines and forget that life is but a span. Let's cherish every moment and make it count.
Example
Instead of dwelling on the past, let's focus on the present and future. Remember, life is but a span. Make the most of the time you have
Is “Life is but a span.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Life is but a span.” 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 “Life is but a span.” effectively in context?
You can use "Life is but a span" to remind yourself or others that life is short and should be lived to the fullest. It emphasizes the importance of making the most of every moment and not wasting time on trivial matters. For example, if a friend is stressing over minor issues, you might say, 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Life is but a span. Focus on what truly matters.'
- 1Perspective
After losing a loved one, she realized that life is but a span and decided to prioritize spending time with family and friends.
- 2Time Management
Feeling overwhelmed with work, he reminded himself that life is but a span and decided to delegate tasks and make time for hobbies and relaxation.
- 3Regret
Reflecting on missed opportunities, she understood that life is but a span and vowed to seize every chance that comes her way.
Similar phrases to “Life is but a span.”:
Carpe diem
Seize the day; make the most of the present moment
Example
He decided to carpe diem and travel the world while he still had the opportunity.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Life is but a span.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Life is but a span" is unknown.
Is “Life is but a span.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Life is but a span" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it can still be used effectively to convey the idea of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present.
What tone does “Life is but a span.” have?
"Life is but a span" conveys a reflective and philosophical tone. It encourages introspection and a shift in perspective towards appreciating the limited time we have in life.
Can “Life is but a span.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Life is but a span" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a thought-provoking expression that can be used in deep conversations or even in writing, such as essays or speeches.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't waste your time worrying about the small things. Life is but a span.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time flies. Life is but a span.' to imply the fleeting nature of time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- seize the day
- life is short
- time is fleeting
- make the most of every moment
- live in the present
Antonyms
- take your time
- procrastinate
- life is long
- time is abundant
- delay gratification
