The sun won't stand still

Posted by Victoria S Dennis on September 20, 2005

In Reply to: The sun won't stand still posted by Chris Treece on September 19, 2005

: Does anyone know the meaning of this phrase? And an example of when it might be used?

I've never heard this phrase but I'd be prepared to bet that it derives from the Old Testament story of Joshua smiting the Amorites in the plain of Ajalon, when the Lord caused the sun to stand still for half a day in order to give Joshua and the Children of Israel enough daylight time to do a proper job of the smiting. (Book of Joshua, Chapter 10, verses 11-14). In which case the phrase would mean something like "the world won't come to a halt and wait [for you to be ready]". (VSD)

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