Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pillar-of-salt

noun
/ˈpɪlər əv sɔlt/
Definition
A pillar of salt refers to a figure from the Bible, specifically in the story of Lot’s wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Examples
  • In literature, Lot’s wife serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of looking back.
  • After the event, the town noted how people often referenced the pillar of salt as a metaphor for missed opportunities.
Meaning
It symbolizes someone who is turned into a lifeless condition due to disobedience or regret, often used metaphorically to describe someone’s rigid or unyielding state after making a mistake.
Synonyms
  • figurative representation
  • statue of regret
  • symbol of disobedience