the ghost in the machine
the ghost in the machine
the mind viewed as distinct from the body
This phrase was coined by the British philosopher Gilbert Ryle in The Concept of Mind (1949) for a viewpoint that he considered completely misleading.
RELATED IDIOMS :
the ghost walks
money is available and salaries will be paid
This expression has been explained in theatrical phrasebooks by the story that an actor playing the ghost of Hamlet's father refused to walk again until the cast's overdue salaries had been paid.
give up the ghost
(of a person) die
(of a machine) stop working
break down especially permanently
stop making an effort
give up hope
The old English meaning of ghost – the soul or spirit as the source of life – survives only in this idiom.
look as if you have seen a ghost
look very pale and shocked
not have the ghost of a chance = not stand the ghost of a chance
have no chance at all
the ghost in the machine :
Idioms Index – Previous Page
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