small voice
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An inner voice that judges your behavior: The "small voice" refers to a person's internal sense of conscience or morality that guides or criticizes their actions and decisions. It is often perceived as a quiet, persistent feeling or thought.
Usage
- The term "small voice" is used to describe the subjective, internal experience of conscience. It is typically singular and often used with the definite article "the" or a possessive pronoun (e.g., my, your, his).
- It is a metaphorical expression, implying the voice is not loud or forceful but is nonetheless significant and guiding.
Examples
- Noun:
- Despite the pressure, he listened to the small voice telling him to tell the truth.
- I knew I should apologize; a small voice inside kept reminding me of my mistake.
- She ignored her small voice of caution and later regretted the decision.
Advanced Usage
- "the still small voice": This is a common variant, often with a literary or religious connotation, emphasizing the quiet and gentle but morally authoritative nature of conscience.
- In the midst of the chaos, he sought guidance from the still small voice within.
Variants and Related Words
- Conscience (n): The more direct and formal synonym for the moral principle that guides behavior.
- Inner voice (n): A near-identical phrase, often used interchangeably with "small voice."
Synonyms
- Conscience: A person's moral sense of right and wrong.
- Moral compass: An inner sense that distinguishes right from wrong.
- Scruples: Feelings of doubt or hesitation about the morality of an action.
Related Idioms
- A voice in your head: An informal idiom for persistent thoughts or conscience.
- It was like a voice in my head warning me not to trust him.
- To have something on your conscience: To feel guilty about something.
- The lie was on his conscience for weeks. (This idiom relates to the feeling generated by the "small voice.")
Noun
- an inner voice that judges your behavior