Act of grace (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ækt əv ɡreɪs/

Meaning and Usage

The term "act of grace" refers to an act of clemency or leniency usually granted by a person in authority, such as a government or a monarch. It often implies forgiveness of a penalty or the removal of a burden. The phrase is not extremely common in everyday speech, leaning more towards formal contexts, such as law or governance.

Frequency of Use

"Act of grace" is used relatively infrequently in daily conversational English. It is more often found in written contexts, particularly in legal documents or discussions about matters of justice and mercy.

Example Sentences

1. The governor announced an act of grace to free several prisoners on humanitarian grounds.
   Translation: Губернатор объявил акт милосердия о освобождении нескольких заключенных по гуманитарным соображениям.

2. The act of grace allowed the individuals affected by the previous decree to start anew.
   Translation: Акт милосердия позволил пострадавшим от предыдущего указа начать заново.

3. Many were surprised by the act of grace, as it was unexpected from such a strict administration.
   Translation: Многие были удивлены актом милосердия, так как это было неожиданно от такой строгой администрации.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "act of grace" itself is specific, it can relate to several idiomatic expressions that emphasize themes of mercy and forgiveness:

• "Bite the hand that feeds you" – This expression implies that one should not harm those who provide support or assistance, contrasting the idea of an act of grace.

• Example: He really bit the hand that feeds him, rejecting the act of grace offered by his mentor.
  Translation: Он действительно укусил руку, которая его кормит, отвергнув акт милосердия, предложенный его наставником.

• "To throw oneself on the mercy of" – This means to appeal for mercy or clemency from someone in authority.

• Example: The defendant had no choice but to throw himself on the mercy of the court, hoping for an act of grace.
  Translation: Подсудимый не имел другого выбора, как обратиться за милосердием к суду, надеясь на акт милосердия.

• "A second chance" – This idiom is often used to signify an opportunity to start over, akin to the concept of an act of grace.

• Example: The CEO’s decision to give the troubled company a second chance was seen as an act of grace by many.
  Translation: Решение генерального директора дать проблемной компании второй шанс воспринималось многими как акт милосердия.

Etymology

The phrase "act of grace" originates from legal terminology and concepts related to mercy. "Act" comes from the Latin "actum," meaning "to do," while "grace" derives from the Latin "gratia," referring to kindness, favor, or goodwill. The combination emphasizes a formal decision to exercise mercy.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Clemency - Forgiveness - Leniency - Pardon

Antonyms: - Retribution - Punishment - Condemnation - Severity