In broad daylight

Posted by Bob on December 14, 2005

In Reply to: In broad daylight posted by David McNamara on December 14, 2005

: Can anyone offer an explanation of the term "in broad daylight", in particular the use of the word "broad"?

: David (Lake District)

From dictionary.com:

broad P Pronunciation Key (brôd)
adj. broad·er, broad·est
Wide in extent from side to side: a broad river; broad shoulders.
Large in expanse; spacious: a broad lawn.
Having a certain width from side to side: A sidewalk three feet broad.
Full; open: broad daylight.
Covering a wide scope; general: a broad rule.
Liberal; tolerant: had broad views regarding social services. See Synonyms at broad-minded.
Relating to or covering the main facts or the essential points.
Plain and clear; obvious: gave us a broad hint to leave.
Obsolete. Outspoken.
Vulgar; ribald: a broad joke.
Strikingly regional or dialectal: a broad Southern accent.
Linguistics. Pronounced with the tongue placed low and flat and with the oral cavity wide open, like the a in father.