PhrasesHub

Get medieval

    Definitions

      • to act in a violent or cruel manner
        Used to describe someone who is behaving aggressively or ruthlessly, often in a historical or fantasy setting where violence and brutality are common occurrences.

      • to use outdated or primitive methods
        To suggest that someone is using methods or techniques that are outdated, crude or barbaric, often with negative connotations.

      • to become very angry or vengeful
        To express extreme anger or a desire for revenge, often in a dramatic or exaggerated way.

    Examples of Get medieval

    • The boss's behavior during the meeting was so barbaric that I felt like I was transported back to the Middle Ages. It was like he wanted to bring back the Inquisition and torture us with his interrogation.

      In this example, "get medieval" is used as a metaphor to describe extreme and brutal behavior that is reminiscent of the Middle Ages, characterized by feudalism, violence, and authoritarianism.

    • When my neighbor started criticizing my house's architecture, I retaliated by accusing him of living in a medieval hovel. I said he would be lucky to have a thatched roof and a moat around his house.

      In this example, "get medieval" is used as a way of mocking someone and retaliating for criticism. It suggests that the person being criticized is being overly critical and is being unfair, much like the medieval zealots who criticized others for their beliefs.

    • During the political debate, the candidate's proposal for a medieval torture chamber as a reformative measure for criminals left the entire audience stunned and appalled.

      In this example, "get medieval" is used to describe an extreme and barbaric proposal that is reminiscent of medieval times, characterized by torture and brutal punishment.

    • The game's medieval theme, complete with knights, castles, and mythical creatures, transported me back to the Middle Ages.

      In this example, "get medieval" is used as a metaphor to describe an immersive experience that transports the user to a medieval world filled with references to the Middle Ages.

    • In order to handle the difficult situation with the demanding client, the manager decided to get medieval on the problem and take a firm and unyielding stance.

      The phrase "get medieval" is used figuratively to mean to act in a harsh and ruthless manner, as if from the Middle Ages, a time known for its brutality and lack of modern legal or political systems. In this example, the manager is indicating that they will handle the client's demands in a serious and uncompromising way, much like the strict justice of medieval times.

    • The team leader warned the troublesome team member that if their performance didn't improve, they would get medieval and hold them accountable for their actions.

      Here, the phrase "get medieval" is used to convey the idea of strict accountability and consequences for wrongdoing, much like the harsh punishments and justice of medieval times.

    • The coach was so angry at his players' poor performance that he threatened to get medieval and bench the entire team for the next game.

      In this example, the coach's anger is compared to the strictness and severity of medieval justice, as he is threatening to take a severe and uncompromising action in response to his team's poor performance.

    • The boss warned that if the deadline was missed again, he would get medieval and stop at nothing to ensure that the project was completed on time.

      Here, the phrase "get medieval" is used to indicate a strong commitment to completing a project or task, as if from the unyielding and strict medieval justice system, where completion and results were prioritized over other considerations.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "get medieval" is typically used to describe someone or something that is violent, cruel, or aggressive. It can also be used to suggest that someone is using outdated or primitive methods, or to express extreme anger or a desire for revenge.

    In all of its meanings, the phrase conveys a sense of intensity and harshness, often evoking images of the Middle Ages, a period in history known for its violence and brutality. The idiom is commonly used in informal speech and writing, and can be found in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to literature and media.

    Origin of "Get medieval"

    The origin of the idiom "get medieval" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 20th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the popular book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R. R. Martin, where the phrase "to go medieval on someone" is used to describe violent and brutal actions.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have been influenced by the popular culture depiction of the medieval period as a time of violence and warfare. It is also possible that the idiom evolved from the phrase "to go medieval on someone's ass," which was commonly used in the 1970s and 1980s to describe someone who was being overly aggressive or violent.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "get medieval" has become a widely used phrase in the English language, often used to add emphasis and intensity to a statement or to describe someone's actions or behavior. Its associations with violence, aggression, and outdated methods make it a powerful and evocative phrase.