to kill a mockingbird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday speech, but highly recognized due to cultural and literary significance.Literary, formal
Quick answer
What does “to kill a mockingbird” mean?
The literal act of killing a mockingbird, a bird known for its harmless nature and beautiful song.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The literal act of killing a mockingbird, a bird known for its harmless nature and beautiful song.
Metaphorically, to destroy innocence, harm something beneficial and defenseless, or commit an injustice, derived from Harper Lee's novel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences; the phrase is internationally recognized from the American novel.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, evoking the novel's themes of morality and innocence.
Frequency
Equally known in both regions, but slightly more common in American English due to the novel's origin.
Grammar
How to Use “to kill a mockingbird” in a Sentence
to kill [object]to kill something innocentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “to kill a mockingbird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the tale, it is considered a sin to kill a mockingbird.
American English
- The story teaches that to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence.
adverb
British English
- They acted as if to kill a mockingbird, showing no regard for innocence.
American English
- He spoke in a way reminiscent of killing a mockingbird, though figuratively.
adjective
British English
- The mockingbird-killing metaphor is central to the novel's theme.
American English
- She wrote a paper on the mockingbird-killing symbolism in literature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; not applicable in standard business contexts.
Academic
Common in literature, ethics, and sociology courses when discussing the novel or its themes.
Everyday
Occasionally used in conversations about books, morality, or as a cultural reference.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; specific to humanities and social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “to kill a mockingbird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “to kill a mockingbird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “to kill a mockingbird”
- Misspelling 'mockingbird' as 'mockinbird' or 'mokingbird'.
- Using the phrase without acknowledging its literary origin, leading to misinterpretation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the title of Harper Lee's novel and a metaphorical phrase meaning to harm innocence or something defenseless.
Because mockingbirds are portrayed as innocent creatures that do no harm and only bring joy, so killing them is a senseless act of cruelty.
It can be used allusively to describe situations where something harmless is destroyed or injustice is committed, often in discussions about morality or literature.
Yes, including a 1962 film adaptation, a stage play, and a sequel novel titled 'Go Set a Watchman'.
The literal act of killing a mockingbird, a bird known for its harmless nature and beautiful song.
To kill a mockingbird is usually literary, formal in register.
To kill a mockingbird: in British English it is pronounced /tuː kɪl ə ˈmɒk.ɪŋ.bɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /tu kɪl ə ˈmɑː.kɪŋ.bɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a sin to kill a mockingbird”
- “Killing a mockingbird symbolizes the loss of innocence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember Harper Lee's novel title: mockingbirds are innocent, so killing them represents wronging the harmless.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE IS A MOCKINGBIRD; HARMING THE INNOCENT IS KILLING A MOCKINGBIRD.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'to kill a mockingbird' primarily symbolize in the novel?