As old as Methuselah Museum title: The Man Who Lived 969 Years

Type of proper name: anthroponym. Source: mythology and religion. Why precedent: Methuselah is not just a biblical figure: his name symbolises extremely long life and great age Historical or cultural background: In the Book of Genesis, Methuselah is the oldest person in the Bible. He lived 969 years. His name became a symbol of extremely long life. Linguistic explanation: Modern figurative meaning: very old. Structural type: stereotyped simile, built on the pattern as + adjective + as + proper name, like as rich as Croesus. Cultural associations: very long life, old age, tradition. T oday the expression is usually humorous. Modern example: My grandfather's car is as old as Methuselah, but it still works perfectly.