PhrasesHub

A nation of shopkeepers

    Definitions

      • describe a country's economic system
        Refers to a country that is known for its commercial and business activities, often with a negative connotation of being overly focused on commerce at the expense of other aspects of society

      • criticize a nation's lack of ambition or innovation
        Suggests that a country is too focused on small-scale business and lacks the drive and ambition to pursue more significant and groundbreaking endeavors

    Examples of A nation of shopkeepers

    • The British are often referred to as a "nation of shopkeepers" due to their history of entrepreneurship and small business ownership.

      This idiom originated from a quote by Adam Smith in his book "The Wealth of Nations." Smith argued that the British middle class, who were primarily shopkeepers, were essential to the country's economic success because they contributed to the growth of trade and commerce. This phrase has since become a way to describe a society that values hard work, thrift, and self-reliance.

    • Despite being a small business owner, Sarah never considered herself a "nation of shopkeepers" type of person.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's personality or attitude towards entrepreneurship. While Sarah is a shopkeeper, she doesn't necessarily identify with the values and traits traditionally associated with this label.

    • The government's policies have led to a surge in small business ownership, making the country more of a "nation of shopkeepers" than ever before.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a trend or shift in a society's values or economy. By using the phrase "more of a 'nation of shopkeepers' than ever before," the speaker is suggesting that the country's emphasis on entrepreneurship and small business ownership has increased significantly.

    • Some critics argue that the label "nation of shopkeepers" is outdated and no longer accurately reflects the complexities of modern British society.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to spark a debate or discussion about its relevance and accuracy. By suggesting that the phrase is outdated, the speaker is challenging the idea that entrepreneurship and small business ownership are the defining characteristics of British society.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a nation of shopkeepers" is often used to describe a country's economic system and to criticize its priorities and lack of ambition. It can also be used to highlight a perceived negative aspect of a nation's character, such as being too focused on material gain and lacking in other important qualities.

    Origin of "A nation of shopkeepers"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 18th century, when economist Adam Smith first used it in his book "The Wealth of Nations." Smith used the phrase to describe the economic system of the United Kingdom, which he believed was dominated by small-scale businesses and lacked larger industries and enterprises.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 19th century and was used by many writers and politicians to describe different countries, often with a negative connotation. It has been associated with the idea of a country being overly focused on commerce and lacking in other areas such as culture, art, and innovation.

    Today, the idiom is still used to comment on a country's economic system and societal values. It can be seen as both a criticism and a compliment, depending on the context and perspective of the speaker. Overall, the idiom "a nation of shopkeepers" is a reminder to consider the balance between economic success and other important aspects of society.