Do you see an event as a sign of worse things to come? You could say that it is a “harbinger of doom.” Read on to discover where this curious phrase comes from and what it means. We’ll also show how to use it in a sentence.
Meaning
The expression “harbinger of doom” means “a bad omen” or “an early warning that something terrible is about to happen.”
You can say that events, people, or animals are harbingers of doom to indicate that they spell disaster.
Example Usage
Are you not sure how you would use the phrase “harbinger of doom” in a sentence? Use these examples for inspiration:
- “Some said that the Prime Minister’s disastrously short mandate was a harbinger of doom and that the Conservative Party is set to lose the general election.”
- “If you’re looking for a great username for a first-person shooter game, harbinger of doom would be a cool choice.”
- “Black cats aren’t harbingers of doom at all, but widely misunderstood creatures who will love you forever if you give them a good home.”
Origin
The expression “harbinger of doom” is well-known, but few people are familiar with its fascinating origins.
The Middle English word “herberger,” from which “harbinger” is derived, meant “innkeeper” in the 12th century. As time went on, the meaning of this word shifted.
A harbinger became a forerunner or messenger whose job was arranging lodgings for royals or military battalions.
A “harbinger of doom” is a different type of messenger — rather than running ahead to make lodgings available, this type of harbinger is a sign of terrible things to come.
The word “harbinger” became a metaphor over time, but it’s interesting to note that literal harbingers of doom also exist. They take the form of street preachers or town criers who warn that the world will end tomorrow.
The first print example of the saying “harbinger of doom” dates back to 1772, when the Edinburgh Advertiser referred to Scottish migration as a “harbinger of devoted ruin.”
The word “harbinger” has now completely fallen out of use. The humble harbinger of doom is the last remaining reference to this word in modern English. Ironically, that makes it not a messenger sent ahead but a relic of the past.
Phrases Similar to Harbinger of Doom
If you aren’t comfortable using the slightly archaic phrase “harbinger of doom,” you can also say that something is:
- The canary in the coal mine — meaning an early warning.
- A red flag — meaning a sign of trouble.
- Bad omen or evil omen.
- A warning shot.
Phrases Opposite to Harbinger of Doom
Other expressions that included the word “harbinger” — like a harbinger of spring or a harbinger of good things to come — have now all but gone extinct.
You can use the following phrases to talk about positive events:
- A good sign.
- Catch a break — meaning good news after a time of struggle.
- A blessing in disguise — meaning that a difficult situation can ultimately prove to be a good thing.
What Is the Correct Saying?
The correct saying is “harbinger of doom.” It refers to an event or person that foretells disaster or to a bad omen.
Ways People May Say Harbinger of Doom Incorrectly
You may not know how to pronounce “harbinger” if you have only ever seen the word in writing.
If you’d describe someone who binge-watches TV shows as a “binger,” that’s how the “binger” in “harbinger” is pronounced. The “binger” in harbinger is not pronounced like “banger” with an I.
Acceptable Ways to Say Harbinger of Doom
You can describe a terrible decision, natural disaster, incompetent leader, black cat, accident, or any other ominous event, person, or being as a “harbinger of doom.”
Only do this if you think the thing you’re talking about is a sign of worse things to come, and you’re good to go.
The expression “harbinger of doom” is no longer very popular. It is best used in formal contexts when you are looking for a colorful way to describe struggles ahead.