ENGLISH
REFERENCE

broken vessel

idiom
Meaning

A person who is destroyed or forgotten, or who feels flawed or broken.


Origin

disputed origin

From Old Testament symbolism that people are like clay vessels.

Examples
SIMPLE

He feels like a broken vessel after losing his job.

CONTEXTUAL

After the scandal, the politician felt like a broken vessel, unable to face his former supporters.

COMPLEX

The aging poet wandered the streets, a broken vessel of lost dreams and forgotten verses, mourning the life he once led.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    broken heart

    A feeling of grief or loss, especially after a failed romantic relationship.

  2. 02

    broken hearted

    Of a person, that has a broken heart.

  3. 03

    broken home

    A home in which the parents have separated or divorced.

  4. 04

    broken man

    A man who has suffered significant and enduring emotional pain as a result of a highly unpleasant or traumatic event.

  5. 05

    broken record

    Someone or something that constantly repeats itself, causing annoyance.

  6. 06

    broken reed

    Something or someone very fragile or unreliable.

  7. 07

    walk on broken glass

    To do everything possible to achieve something, even if it involves great risk or discomfort.

  8. 08

    weaker vessel

    A woman; women collectively.

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