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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
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—When You're Stoned:
In Chapter 4, Alsana and her "Niece of Shame" Neena discuss the ethics of arranged marriages. Alsana believes in the value of such marriages because, contrary to popular belief, she thinks it is better to know less about one's spouse. Furthermore, in the case of her own husband, Samad, she finds she likes him less the more she learns about him, and most of the time he is unwilling to share intimate details about himself anyway. Alsana describes this situation by misusing an English idiom, to humorous effect:
“It was exactly because Eve did not know Adam from Adam that they got on so A-OK. Let me explain. Yes, I was married to Samad Iqbal the same evening of the very day I met him. [...] Now, every time I learn something more about him, I like him less. So you see, we were better off the way we were.”
Neena stamps her foot in exasperation at the skewed logic.
“Besides, I will never know him well. Getting anything out of my husband is like trying to squeeze water out when you’re stoned.”
Neena laughs despite herself. “Water out of a stone.”
Trying to learn new things about Samad, Alsana says, is like "trying to squeeze water out when you're stoned." This is a misremembered version of the common idiom "to squeeze water out of a stone," referring to a futile task. Alsana's version of the idiom does make sense: it can be rather hard to complete simple tasks when high on marijuana, as shown elsewhere in the novel, most extensively in Millat's attempt to assassinate Dr. Perret in Chapter 20.
Still, this idiom serves to show Alsana's imperfect command of English. Her error makes Neena laugh, and she quickly corrects the idiom. Smith contrasts Alsana's interpersonal wisdom—just before this she says she is "wise with men"—with Neena's knowledge of the language they both speak, by virtue of immigrating to England. This is part of an important theme in the novel as a whole, questioning the relative value of personal wisdom against the practical knowledge that helps a person to fit in with society.
Related Themes:
