over the river and through the woods

English

Etymology

Originally based on a Thanksgiving poem written by Lydia Maria Child, this phrase was eventually turned into one of the many various Christmas carols and then soon developed its own meaning in the English lexicon. See the Wikipedia article for more information.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈoʊ.vɚ ðə ˈɹɪvɚ ən(d) θɹu ðə wʊdz/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

over the river and through the woods

1. (figuratively) Trying to achieve a particular task, often with difficulty.
2. (figuratively) Lost.
3. (figuratively) Having lost one's mind; insane.
4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see over,‎ the,‎ river,‎ and,‎ through,‎ the,‎ woods.

See also

• over the river