The phrase “like a frog in boiling water” is often used to describe how people can slowly be cooked without realizing it. The phrase is used to warn people about the dangers of complacency and how easy it is to get comfortable with a situation that is gradually becoming more dangerous.
The phrase is usually used in the context of social or political change. For example someone might say “The government is slowly eroding our civil liberties like a frog in boiling water.” This means that the government is slowly taking away our freedoms and we might not even realize it until it’s too late.
The phrase can also be used more generally to describe any situation where someone is in danger of being harmed without realizing it. For example if you’re in a relationship with someone who is gradually becoming more controlling you might say “I feel like a frog in boiling water.” This means that you’re in a situation where you could be harmed but you might not realize it until it’s too late.
The phrase “like a frog in boiling water” is thought to have originated in the 19th century. The earliest known use of the phrase is in an 1866 book called “Adventure in the Wilderness” by E.D.C. Corbin. In the book Corbin describes how a group of frogs were slowly boiled alive in a pot of water.
The phrase has been used by many notable people over the years. In his famous “I have a dream” speech Martin Luther King Jr. said “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people for many of our white brothers as evidenced by their presence here today have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.”
In his book “The Power of Myth” Joseph Campbell said “The impact of the contemporary world on the human psyche is so overwhelming that we have to make an effort to keep our sanity. We have to struggle to remain human. The price of sanity in this world it seems to me is a certain toughmindedness. This toughmindedness is not particularly moral; it is simply a kind of spiritual existentialism an affirmation of the will to live despite the fact of death of the courage to live despite the fact of suffering. It is a affirmation of the ability of the human psyche to transcend its limitations to rise above its animal condition and to evolve into something higher.”
In her book “The End of America” Naomi Wolf said “We have to be very careful not to let what has happened in other countries happen here. We need to be alert to the signs of a closing society and we need to do everything we can to prevent it from happening.”
The phrase “like a frog in boiling water” is a warning to us all to be careful not to get too comfortable with the world around us. We need to be aware of the signs of danger and we need to stand up for what we believe in. We can’t let complacency lead to our downfall.
What does the phrase “public like a frog” mean?
The phrase “public like a frog” means that someone is behaving in a way that is likely to attract attention or be considered dangerous.
Where did the phrase “public like a frog” come from?
The phrase “public like a frog” is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s.
What is another phrase that has a similar meaning to “public like a frog”?
Another phrase with a similar meaning to “public like a frog” is “asking for trouble”.
Is the phrase “public like a frog” always used in a negative way?
No the phrase “public like a frog” can sometimes be used in a positive way to describe someone who is outgoing and not afraid to take risks.
What are some examples of situations where someone might be described as “public like a frog”?
Some examples of situations where someone might be described as “public like a frog” include if they are walking around with their shirt off in public or if they are being loud and disruptive in a quiet place.
Do you think the phrase “public like a frog” is a fair way to describe someone’s behavior?
Some people might feel that the phrase “public like a frog” is a fair way to describe someone’s behavior if it is considered to be dangerous or attention-seeking.
Others might feel that the phrase is unfair because it is often used in a negative way.
What do you think the phrase “public like a frog” says about society’s view of public displays of affection?
The phrase “public like a frog” suggests that society generally does not approve of public displays of affection and considers them to be inappropriate or tacky.
In what other contexts can the word “public” be used?
The word “public” can also be used to describe places or things that are open to everyone such as public parks or public transportation.
What do you think is the difference between something that is public and something that is private?
Something that is public is open to everyone while something that is private is only for a specific group of people.
Do you think there is anything wrong with being “public like a frog”?
Some people might say that there is nothing wrong with being “public like a frog” while others might say that it is inappropriate or dangerous.
What do you think are some reasons why someone might choose to behave in a “public like a frog” manner?
Some reasons why someone might choose to behave in a “public like a frog” manner include seeking attention or trying to be provocative.
Do you think “public like a frog” behavior is more common in certain cultures or social groups?
Some people might say that “public like a frog” behavior is more common in certain cultures or social groups while others might say that it is found across all cultures.
What do you think are the consequences of being “public like a frog”?
The consequences of being “public like a frog” can vary but may include being ignored ridiculed or even arrested.
What do you think are some ways to avoid being “public like a frog”?
Some ways to avoid being “public like a frog” include being aware of your surroundings and avoiding attention-seeking behavior.
Do you think the phrase “public like a frog” is a helpful way to describe someone’s behavior?
Some people might find the phrase “public like a frog” to be helpful in describing someone’s behavior while others might find it to be unhelpful or negative.
