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Common sayings which could use a secular update

Hello, this is my first post on this board. Thanks to spaceghoti for inviting me in!

One of the things that bugs me sometimes is the way the English language is peppered with sayings, cliches, and other phrases which clearly have a religious origin. I'm not talking about simple expletives - I mean phrases which actually mean something besides an expression of anger or surprise.

It's a small thing, but why not stop using these phrases if we have alternatives? That being the case, I wonder what people might have to suggest for the following religious and Godly phrases. Of course, one could simply give a literal translation, but that's not very memorable or poetic; the point is to come up with something that sounds good and inspires a degree of thought. For example, instead of saying "Preaching to the Choir," we don't want to say, "Attempting to persuade those who are already in full agreement." That's boring. We want something more like, "Cheering to the Pep Squad."

So here's the list:

  • "There but for the grace of God go I."

  • "God-given rights"

  • "What would Jesus do?"

  • "God helps those who help themselves."

  • "May God have mercy on your soul." (Used in a way which might literally translate as, "You're a horrible person and I have no use for you while you're alive, but once you're dead I'll stop holding a grudge.")

  • "David and Goliath" (referring to a conflict where one side seems utterly outmatched.)

  • Any similar phrases that anyone might think of.

Suggestions? Opinions?

8 years ago by Xenolan with 1 comments

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  • spaceghoti
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    "Godforsaken."

    "Where angels fear to tread."

    "God bless" or just "bless."

    "God-fearing."

    "Walk on water." (I'm ambivalent about this one, but I have to acknowledge its religious origins)