What does “Neither rhyme nor reason.” mean?
"Neither rhyme nor reason" means something that lacks sense or logic.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His decision to quit his stable job and pursue his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder had neither rhyme nor reason.
Example
The company's sudden change in pricing strategy seemed to have neither rhyme nor reason. It confused both customers and employees.
Example
The professor's lecture was filled with random tangents and unrelated examples. It had neither rhyme nor reason
Is “Neither rhyme nor reason.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Neither rhyme nor reason.” 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 “Neither rhyme nor reason.” effectively in context?
You can use "Neither rhyme nor reason" to express confusion or disbelief about something that doesn't make sense or lacks logical explanation. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Personal Decision
Her choice to quit her stable job and travel the world had neither rhyme nor reason.
- 2Business Strategy
The sudden change in the company's pricing strategy had neither rhyme nor reason. It left everyone confused.
- 3Speech or Presentation
The speaker's presentation lacked coherence and had neither rhyme nor reason. It was difficult to follow.
Similar phrases to “Neither rhyme nor reason.”:
Something that is confusing or perplexing.
Example
The professor's lecture was filled with unrelated information. It was baffling and hard to follow.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Neither rhyme nor reason.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Neither rhyme nor reason" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It' written in 1599. In Act 3, Scene 2, the character Rosalind says, 'I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of. What do you call your knight's name, sirrah? ... Neither rhyme nor reason can express how much.' The phrase has since been used to describe something that lacks sense or logic.
Is “Neither rhyme nor reason.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Neither rhyme nor reason" is a commonly used phrase in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their confusion or disbelief about something that doesn't make sense or lacks logical explanation.
What tone does “Neither rhyme nor reason.” have?
"Neither rhyme nor reason" conveys a tone of surprise, confusion, or disbelief. It's often used to express frustration or astonishment at something that defies logic or common sense.
Can “Neither rhyme nor reason.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Neither rhyme nor reason" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile phrase that conveys the idea of something lacking sense or logic. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'His decision to quit his stable job and pursue his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder had neither rhyme nor reason.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That makes "neither rhyme nor reason"!' to express confusion.
