Ancient history

Where did the saying from cradle to grave come from?

The phrase "from cradle to the grave" is a metaphor that refers to the entire span of a person's life, with "cradle" being a reference to a baby's bed or crib, and "grave" being a reference to a person's final resting place. The exact origins of the phrase are unknown, but it has been used in various forms for centuries. One of the earliest known examples is from the Bible, where it is used in the book of Job to describe the brevity of human life:

"Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a shadow he flees and does not continue. You have appointed his days from birth to death" (Job 14:1-5)

Over time, the phrase "from cradle to the grave" has taken on a more general meaning, referring to the entire course of a person's life, including all of the experiences, challenges, and joys that come with it. It is often used in a reflective way, to ponder the brevity and significance of human existence.