Why Do Married Couples 'Tie the Knot'?

2024 · VOA Learning English

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Transcript

1. And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning

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2. English. On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language.

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3. We give you definitions, examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we even use them in a conversation Valentine’s Day is February 14.

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4. Because it is close to that day that celebrates lovers, we talk today about a romantic idiom: tie the knot

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5. To tie the knot is an informal term for getting married.

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6. In some marriage ceremonies, a knot is actually tied around the couple’s hands with a piece of cloth or ribbon. This is done as a symbol of unity.

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7. This wedding tradition can be called a handfasting ceremony. Several websites claim that this is an ancient Celtic wedding tradition.

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8. The couple holds hands while someone else ties their hands together with material.

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9. This represents the two people being physically and spiritually tied to each other. But let's go back to the word “knot.”

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10. A knot is an interlacing of string, ribbon, rope, or similar material that forms a connection between two, or more, loose ends.

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11. The word “knot” can also describe a mass or lump of disordered material that is tangled Some knots are hard to untangle.

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12. For example, if your hair has knots, the ends have become tangled together, and it cannot be straightened or combed.

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13. When talking about hair, having knots is not a good thing. Knowing how to tie knots is important in many activities including sailing.

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14. For example, rope is used to secure sails.

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15. While sailing, you might want ropes to stay knotted at times, but you also need to be able to release knots quickly, at a moment’s notice.

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16. With a marriage, you want to stay knotted together. You do not want the bond to be easily broken.

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17. There are other ways to say to tie the knot In a formal situation, you can say two people have been wed

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18. A very informal expression is to get hitched Now, let’s hear two friends use the expression “to tie the knot.”

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19. A: Hey, I have a wonderful secret about our good friends Finn and Polly. They are tying the knot next month!

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20. Polly told me last week while we were bowling. She’s on my bowling team.

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21. But she made me promise not to say a word. So, don’t tell anyone.

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22. Finn and Polly have been dating for years. B: I’m not shocked about that.

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23. Polly bowls?? I had no idea. And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories

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