The patience of Job
phrase
To have endless patience, being extremely patient.
My teacher must have the patience of Job to deal with such a noisy class every day.
Often appears as...
- have the patience of job
- display the patience of job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To endure difficulties, troubles, or a painful process without complaint.
He exhibited the patience of Job when dealing with the numerous setbacks in his project.
Often appears as...
- exhibit the patience of job
- show the patience of job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To have endless patience, being extremely patient.
My teacher must have the patience of Job to deal with such a noisy class every day.
Often appears as...
- have the patience of job
- display the patience of job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To endure difficulties, troubles, or a painful process without complaint.
He exhibited the patience of Job when dealing with the numerous setbacks in his project.
Often appears as...
- exhibit the patience of job
- show the patience of job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Biblical Origin
Understand it's a reference to Job from the Bible, who was known for enduring suffering with perseverance.
She had the patience of Job when she calmly waited for hours at the airport.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's an exaggeration; nobody can have infinite patience, but some situations demand a lot.
Managing to assemble that complex furniture surely required the patience of Job.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Praise
Using this phrase is a positive way to praise someone's extraordinary ability to wait or tolerate.
The nurse's care for her patient showed she really had the patience of Job.
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