At the risk of being pedantic, the definition of an “idiom” is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words. According to various sources the term “idiom” originates from the ancient Greek word “idioma,” meaning “peculiar phraseology” or “special form of expression."
For example, the idiom “break the ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting, making people feel more comfortable and relaxed, and has its roots in naval history. When trade ships would get stuck in frozen waters during winter, the receiving country would send smaller ships to break the ice to clear a path. This gesture showed goodwill and understanding between the two territories, symbolizing the start of communication or friendship.
“Pass the torch” is another idiom we are familiar with – although this one is a little easier to deduce the meaning of – as it comes from ancient Greece where runners would pass a lit torch from one to the other during a relay race. Today we use this term when we give someone a job or responsibility we previously had.
Having said all that (whew!) I’m happy to announce I will be passing the torch of Editor-in-Chief of Tablets & Capsules magazine to my friend and colleague Karen Langhauser.
I’ve known Karen for about 25 years (yikes!) having worked with her at Cahners and then ABM where Karen was the editor of Food Manufacturing magazine. Karen then went on to become the Editor-in-Chief of Pharma Manufacturing and has won numerous editorial awards.
One of Karen’s first exposures to the pharmaceutical industry was as my stand-in at INTERPHEX after I broke my foot about a week before the show. Karen was thrown into the breach (another idiom!) and did an impressive job covering my appointments.
Karen and I also played on the Cahners volleyball team. Given that you are allowed three hits before needing to get the ball over the net our mantra was “Bump, Set, Spike.” Now, I think our mantra can be turned into its idiom.
When we relaunched Tablets & Capsules magazine three years ago that was the initial “bump.” My time as the Editor-in-Chief has been the “set” and now I’m passing the ball to Karen, for the “spike.”
Is my newly minted idiom corny? Yes, it is. Will it catch on? Probably not.
But in the meantime, let’s roll out the welcome mat for Karen. Let’s welcome her aboard as she is about to join the club and wish her many happy returns as the new Editor-in-Chief of Tablets & Capsules magazine.
Mike Auerbach
Group Editor-in-Chief, Pharma Group