The idiomatic phrase “manna from heaven” is one you may hear or see frequently in everyday conversation or writing. Here you will find the meaning of the phrase and the information available regarding its origin. You will also find some examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and some suggestions regarding alternative ways to say the phrase and still convey the same meaning.
Manna From Heaven
Manna From Heaven Meaning
The common idiom “manna from heaven” means an unexpected surprise or gift that comes when it is needed or wanted the most.
Origin of this idiomatic expression
The origin of this idiom comes from the Bible in the book of Exodus. As Moses lead his people through the desert after being released from the control of the Israelites, God miraculously produced food for them all when they were starving. The food that was produced was called manna.
“Manna From Heaven” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement made by a celebrity during an interview with a popular entertainment magazine.
- “I could not resist the offer to work on this movie. It came at just the right time in my career. It was like manna from heaven!”
A statement made by a homeless woman during a news report.
- “The help we have been given is so much more than we needed. People have gone above and beyond. The things we have received are like manna from heaven and I am eternally grateful.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between an employee and his manager.
- Employee: I can’t believe you all did this for me.
- Manager: We knew you were struggling to get the things you needed for the baby since Ed got laid off. We all wanted to pitch in and do what we could.
- Employee: You all are the greatest! This is truly manna from heaven and I am blessed!
A conversation between two friends talking over coffee.
- Friend 1: I still can’t believe we lost everything in that fire.
- Friend 2: Well, have no fear! I went to the local church and got a few donations for you. There is some food, some clothes and I had them take up a small collection for you also.
- Friend 1: Wow! Thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to all of us! This is true manna from heaven.
More interesting example sentences:
- The letters are manna from heaven, filling my time and recharging my batteries.
- After the kind of coverage I’d been getting, the piece was manna from heaven.
- For a town stuck eating sardines, this is totally manna from heaven.
- I needed that money so desperately, it was like manna from heaven when it arrived!
Other Ways to Say “Manna From Heaven”
As with most idiomatic phrases, there are many alternative ways to say “manna from heaven” and still convey the same meaning. Some of these alternatives include:
- A gift
- A blessing
- Something greatly needed and appreciated
- Gift from heaven
Manna From Heaven Definition | Image
Last Updated on March 21, 2020
Thanks for your stunning job in providing all these handy references, really useful to teach the English language as an L2. In this very instance of “Manna from heaven”, I have a minor remark to point out, though. Moses’ people were the Israelites themselves, therefore they couldn’t be released from the Israelites. They were released from the Egyptians! 🙂 Thanks, anyway