phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Illusion/allusion

Posted by David FG on October 22, 2004

In Reply to: Illusion/allusion posted by SR on October 19, 2004

: : : : we had one of our World Affairs Council events last night, and the speaker provided a presentation that was truly a tour de force. An audience of about 200 was mesmerized as the speaker displayed a combination of scholarship, humor, and wisdom that was rare, indeed. He truly held us in the palm of his hand -- but what could be the origin of that phrase that so aptly describes such an occurance?

: : : Maybe from the gospel song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands":

: : : He's got you and me, brother, in His hands,
: : : He's got you and me, sister, in His hands.
: : : He's got the little tiny baby in His hands,
: : : He's got the whole world in His hands.

: :
: : I rather doubt it. I suspect that it pre-dates that. I would guess it is possibly an illusion to having a baby bird (or other small, defenceless creature) eating from one's hand. In such a situation, the bird is placing its trust in the feeder, and is totally at his/her mercy.

: : DFG

: Am I mistaken to have the illusion that you meant 'allusion?'

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah! Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! I have no defence except that I have an index finger that works faster than my brain.

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