What does “Prodigal son” mean?
"Prodigal son" means a person who has returned after a period of reckless or wasteful behavior.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of living a wild and extravagant lifestyle, he finally came back home as the prodigal son.
Example
The prodigal son squandered his inheritance on parties and luxury goods before realizing the error of his ways.
Example
Everyone was surprised to see the prodigal son show up at the family reunion, as he had been estranged for so long
Is “Prodigal son” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Prodigal son” 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 “Prodigal son” effectively in context?
You can use "Prodigal Son" to describe someone who has returned after a period of reckless or wasteful behavior. It emphasizes the idea of redemption and forgiveness. For example, if a friend who had been estranged from their family for a long time finally decides to reconnect, you could say, 'He came back as the prodigal son, seeking forgiveness and a fresh start.'
- 1Family Reunion
After years of living a wild and extravagant lifestyle, he finally came back home as the prodigal son.
- 2Regret and Redemption
The prodigal son squandered his inheritance on parties and luxury goods before realizing the error of his ways.
- 3Reconciliation
Everyone was surprised to see the prodigal son show up at the family reunion, as he had been estranged for so long.
Similar phrases to “Prodigal son”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Prodigal son” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Prodigal Son" comes from a parable in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. In the story, a young man asks his father for his inheritance and then goes on to squander it on a life of extravagance and recklessness. After hitting rock bottom, he realizes his mistakes and returns home, where his father welcomes him with open arms.
Is “Prodigal son” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Prodigal Son" is a well-known expression that is often used in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to describe someone who has made a significant change in their life and has returned after a period of reckless or wasteful behavior.
What tone does “Prodigal son” have?
"Prodigal Son" conveys a tone of redemption and forgiveness. It is often used to highlight the transformative journey of an individual who has learned from their mistakes and seeks to make amends.
Can “Prodigal son” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Prodigal Son" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized expression that can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, literature, or even in professional settings to discuss themes of redemption and personal growth.
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, 'He returned as the prodigal son, seeking forgiveness.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's back, the prodigal son!' to imply surprise or a significant return.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- reformed person
- returned wanderer
- recovering soul
- reborn individual
- rehabilitated individual
Antonyms
- steadfast individual
- responsible person
- consistent soul
- loyal individual
- faithful person
