cup of elijah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowReligious, Liturgical, Formal, Poetic
Quick answer
What does “cup of elijah” mean?
A ceremonial drink taken during the Passover Seder, specifically the fifth cup of wine which is poured but not drunk, reserved for the prophet Elijah.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ceremonial drink taken during the Passover Seder, specifically the fifth cup of wine which is poured but not drunk, reserved for the prophet Elijah.
In wider Jewish and Christian religious discourse, it can allude to an awaited blessing, fulfillment of a prophecy, or a sign of future redemption. In secular contexts, it may be used poetically or metaphorically for something long-awaited or reserved for a special, future event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences, as the term is tied to a specific religious tradition rather than a regional dialect. Spelling is consistent ('Elijah').
Connotations
Identical religious and symbolic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to contexts discussing Jewish tradition or using biblical metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “cup of elijah” in a Sentence
[verb] the cup of Elijah (e.g., pour, fill, set out, reserve)the cup of Elijah [verb] (e.g., awaits, symbolizes, represents)[preposition] the cup of Elijah (e.g., for, of, during)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cup of elijah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We shall now fill the cup of Elijah.
- The tradition is to reserve the cup of Elijah.
American English
- Let's pour the cup of Elijah now.
- We set aside the cup of Elijah.
adverb
British English
- The cup sat Elijah-like, untouched.
- They waited, cup-of-Elijah-style, for a sign.
American English
- The wine was poured prophetically, like for Elijah.
- They hoped, in a cup-of-Elijah manner, for change.
adjective
British English
- The Elijah cup tradition is poignant.
- It was a cup-of-Elijah moment of anticipation.
American English
- The Elijah cup ritual is symbolic.
- He described it with a cup-of-Elijah symbolism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, or cultural anthropology texts discussing Jewish rituals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except within specific religious communities.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cup of elijah”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cup of elijah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cup of elijah”
- Confusing it with the four mandatory cups of wine drunk during the Seder.
- Using it as a general term for any drink.
- Misspelling 'Elijah' (e.g., Elisha, Eliyahu without context).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is poured but not consumed during the Seder. It is left for the prophet Elijah.
No, it is a very specific religious term. Its metaphorical use is rare and largely confined to literary or theological writing.
There is no practical difference; they are synonymous terms for the same ritual object.
Yes, but only metaphorically, to poetically describe something set aside for a long-awaited event or person (e.g., 'That promotion was his cup of Elijah'). Such usage is very uncommon.
A ceremonial drink taken during the Passover Seder, specifically the fifth cup of wine which is poured but not drunk, reserved for the prophet Elijah.
Cup of elijah is usually religious, liturgical, formal, poetic in register.
Cup of elijah: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkʌp əv ɪˈlaɪdʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkʌp əv ɪˈlaɪdʒə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like waiting for the cup of Elijah.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the prophet Elijah is a guest of honor at the Passover table, and his special cup is set out for him, though he does not drink it.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE/EXPECTATION IS A RESERVED CUP; THE FUTURE IS A GUEST'S PLACE SETTING.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'cup of Elijah' primarily symbolize in the Passover tradition?