The phrase "in the wake of" primarily refers to being in the aftermath or consequence of an event.
Understanding "In the Wake of"
The expression "in the wake of" draws its meaning from a physical phenomenon to describe a sequence of events or consequences.
The Literal Origin: A Boat's Trail
The term "wake" literally refers to the disturbed or choppy water left behind a moving boat, especially one propelled by a motor or propeller. If you're in a boat with any kind of a propeller or motor, and you look behind you as you're moving, you'll see the wake—a visible trail of ripples and agitated water. This physical phenomenon forms the basis for the idiom's metaphorical sense.
The Figurative Meaning: Aftermath and Consequence
Building on this visual imagery, the phrase "in the wake of" means "in the aftermath" of something. It signifies that an event, situation, or period follows directly as a result or consequence of a preceding one. This often implies a close temporal connection, where subsequent events are a direct outcome or follow-up to the preceding action or occurrence, frequently one that is significant or impactful.
Practical Applications and Examples
"In the wake of" is commonly used to describe situations where something happens as a direct result or consequence of another event.
- Describing Consequences:
- "In the wake of the severe storm, power outages affected thousands of homes." (The outages were a direct consequence of the storm.)
- "New policies were introduced in the wake of the security breach." (The policies were a direct response to the breach.)
- Following Major Events:
- "There was an increase in public awareness in the wake of the documentary's release." (Awareness grew after the documentary.)
- "The global economy faced new challenges in the wake of the trade negotiations." (Challenges emerged after the negotiations.)
Literal vs. Figurative Wake
To clarify the distinction, here's a comparison:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Literal Wake | The choppy water behind a moving boat, particularly one with a propeller or motor, forming a visible trail. |
| Figurative "In the Wake of" | Being in the aftermath of an event; the period or situation that occurs as a direct consequence or result of a previous occurrence. |
