Previous
Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Idioms
Explanation and Analysis—Cooking with Gas:
Near the end of the story, while watching a program about cathedrals, Robert asks the narrator to draw a cathedral, placing his hand on top of the narrator’s while he draws in order to “see” what a cathedral looks like. Robert offers the narrator words of encouragement during this process, using an idiom in the process:
“Press hard now,” he said to me. “That’s right. That’s good,” he said. “Sure. You got it, bub. I can tell. You didn’t think you could. But you can, can’t you? You’re cooking with gas now. Know what I’m saying? We’re going to have us something here in a minute.”
When Robert says, “You’re cooking with gas now,” he is using an idiom to communicate that the narrator is doing a good job drawing the cathedral and is making significant progress. This idiom emerged in the 1930s and 1940s due to marketing by the natural gas industry. In attempts to encourage consumers to switch from other methods of cooking their food (such as electric or wood-fired stoves), the gas industry came up with the slogan, “Now you’re cooking with gas.” The underlying message is that cooking with gas was a better and more efficient choice.
Robert uses the phrase here in order to encourage the narrator to keep drawing the cathedral. The gentle and complimentary way that he engages with the narrator suggests that he’s aware that this is a vulnerable moment for the man. The narrator has no friends and is alienated from his wife, living a very emotionally isolated life. He takes a risk here by letting Robert hold his hand while sketching the cathedral and Robert acknowledges the emotional risk by kindly urging him on.
Related Themes:
