2006-09-24 18:28:29 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Putting a "bee in your bonnet" is putting an idea in your head. An idea buzzes around your brain the way a bee buzzes around, and your bonnet (hat) is a metaphor for your head.
A bee in your bonnet which means preoccupied or obsessed with an idea, was believed to have originated from Robert Herrick's poem in 1648, the "Mad Maid's Song". An idea of having a bee on a bonnet was mentioned on that poem.
The first citation using the precise phrase is in Thomas De Quincey's, "Coleridge & Opium-eating" in 1845 which statement containing such phrase says: "John Hunter, notwithstanding he had a bee in his bonnet, was really a great man." Such line was not given an explanation though.
2006-09-24 23:32:48 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A bee in your bonnet
Meaning
Preoccupied or obsessed with an idea.
Origin
Thought to have come from Robert Herrick's poem, 'Mad Maid's Song', 1648.
Ah! woe is me, woe, woe is me! Alack and well-a-day!
For pity, sir, find out that bee Which bore my love away.
I'll seek him in your bonnet brave,
I'll seek him in your eyes;
Nay, now I think they've made his grave
I' th' bed of strawberries.
2006-09-25 01:39:33 · answer #2 · answered by Donna S 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Origin
Thought to have come from Robert Herrick's poem, 'Mad Maid's Song', 1648.
http://pessoal.sercomtel.com.br/assis/English/Dictionaries/Phrases%20(1)/59775.html
2006-09-25 01:38:30 · answer #3 · answered by D--- 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the origin, but I do know what it means.
2006-09-25 01:36:12 · answer #4 · answered by no nickname 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋