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Region: General | Usage example: Her patience of a saint kept the negotiations civil.

Patience of a saint

Meaning

Extreme ability to wait calmly.

Usage

Used to admire calm people.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Saints praised for enduring trials without complaint.

Religious literature since the Middle Ages celebrated saints' patience.

Related Idioms

Long on patience

Very patient.

Eyes in the back of your head

An uncanny ability to monitor everything.

Cast-iron stomach

Ability to eat or endure unpleasant things without distress.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.