Penelope's web
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The idiom "Penelope's web" originates from the myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology. It refers to an endless, seemingly futile task, like the one she undertook to delay her suitors.
Mythological Origin:
In The Odyssey, Penelope delays choosing a new husband during Odysseus's long absence by claiming she must finish weaving a shroud for her father-in-law.
In English, "Penelope's web" means "an endless, futile task" or "a job that never ends".
The Trick:
She weaves the shroud each day but unravels it every night, effectively making no progress.
Figurative Meaning:
The phrase "Penelope's web" became a symbol for any task that is perpetually being done but never completed.
Modern Usage:
The idiom is used today to describe any task or project that seems impossible to finish because of constant undoing or setbacks.
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The idiom "Penelope's web" originates from the myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology. It refers to an endless, seemingly futile task, like the one she undertook to delay her suitors.
Mythological Origin:
In The Odyssey, Penelope delays choosing a new husband during Odysseus's long absence by claiming she must finish weaving a shroud for her father-in-law.
In English, "Penelope's web" means "an endless, futile task" or "a job that never ends".
The Trick:
She weaves the shroud each day but unravels it every night, effectively making no progress.
Figurative Meaning:
The phrase "Penelope's web" became a symbol for any task that is perpetually being done but never completed.
Modern Usage:
The idiom is used today to describe any task or project that seems impossible to finish because of constant undoing or setbacks.