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"Seeing the elephant" is an American neologism that was probably a revision of the old English idiom "see the lions" (referring literally to seeing lions kept in the Tower of London, but also metaphorically to seeing something new and exciting).
The American version refers to gaining experience of the world at a significant cost. It was used variously to refer to seeing battle (especially during the Mexican-American or Civil War), experiencing the 1849 Gold-Rush, and the experience of westward travel by pioneers over the "Westward Expansion Trails". It eventually also became a euphemism for visiting brothels and saloons. It was most commonly used during the 19th century but still gets some use in the military context referring to seeing battle - something that sounds exciting at first but quickly becomes something else when faced with the reality of the horrors of war.
At least two books about the Civil War use the phrase in their titles:
"Seeing the Elephant": Raw Recruits at the Battle of Shiloh
Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War
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Which elephant is bigger African elephant or Indian elephant?
The African elephant is the larger of the two species.
What does the word firsthand mean?
coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something.
Does an elephant have hair or fur?
An elephant has hair.
What did the ancient Greeks mean when they called their theatre a seeing place?
In the theatre you watch so....
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an elephant that looks like a cat hommie lol
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Seeing the Elephant - 2014 was released on: USA: 11 January 2014
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he tried to throw you a white elephant but he had a heart attack when he forgot the present
What actors and actresses appeared in Seeing the Elephant - 2013?
The cast of Seeing the Elephant - 2013 includes: Felino Dolloso as Chip Maria Tran as Anna
What actors and actresses appeared in Seeing the Elephant - 2014?
The cast of Seeing the Elephant - 2014 includes: Bradley Egen Neil Haven Andrew Muwonge James Romney Rhyan Schwartz
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What does ababy elephant called?
I think you mean 'What is a baby elephant called?' Answer: Calf
What does a symbol of a elephant with a baby elephant inside mean?
the same as other mammals
What does an elephant stamp on jewelry mean?
Elephant's symbolize wisdom, courage, stature and strength.
What does elefante mean in spanish?
Elephant
What does koongyi mean?
A timber elephant
