PhrasesHub

Let them eat cake

    Definitions

      • display indifference or lack of understanding towards the needs or concerns of others
        Dismiss or belittle someone's complaints or requests, often in a condescending or arrogant manner

      • suggest a naïve or out-of-touch attitude
        Imply that someone is disconnected from the reality of a situation or lacks empathy for others' struggles

    Examples of Let them eat cake

    • Marie Antoinette's infamous statement, "Let them eat cake," is often interpreted as a callous disregard for the poor during a time of scarcity. In reality, however, the translation of her words may have been mishandled. Instead, she likely said, "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche," which could be translated as "Let them eat brioche," a type of bread, not cake. The statement was meant to encourage the queen's guests to eat a luxurious bread instead of traditional fare served to prisoners, as they were running out of food.

      This idiomatic expression, "Let them eat cake," has become synonymous with the idea of being indifferent to the suffering of others, especially those less fortunate. It often refers to a situation where someone in authority makes a careless or insensitive remark without considering the consequences or the plight of those affected. It can also be used to imply that someone has become oblivious to the needs of others and has become excessively selfish or self-indulgent.

    • Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the CEO of the company declared, "Let them eat cake," indicating his unfeeling disposition towards the workers' struggles for survival.

      This idiomatic expression, when used in a context like this, can connote a sense of arrogance and obliviousness on the part of the speaker, ultimately condemning the person for their lack of empathy and compassion. The phrase may emphasize a person's insensitivity towards the difficulties of others, particularly those who are less privileged or have less power. It might also highlight a person's obliviousness to the needs of others, and suggest that they have become excessively self-indulgent or indifferent to the plight of the marginalized sections of society.

    • The wealthy socialite was known for saying, "Let them eat cake," to her friends, who would come over for lavish parties during the depression.

      In this context, this phrase would depict a self-absorbed and insensitive person who does not understand the gravity of the situation. It could also highlight the speaker's unwillingness to sympathize with others' struggles, particularly those who are less fortunate. The phrase would reflect the speaker's lack of empathy for the suffering of others, especially during times of hardship.Overall, "Let them eat cake" is a powerful expression that reflects the inhumanity and insensitivity of those in positions of power towards those who are less fortunate. It carries a strong connotation of callousness, arrogance, and obliviousness towards the suffering of others, making it an evocative term that has remained a potent idiom long after it became part of popular culture.

    • Marie Antoinette infamously uttered the phrase "Let them eat cake" in response to news of the French people's struggles with food shortages during the 18th century. However, this statement is now considered apocryphal, as there is little evidence to support the claim that she actually said it.

      The idiom "Let them eat cake" is often used to describe a situation where a person in a position of power or privilege seems to be ignoring the needs or suffering of others, particularly those less fortunate than themselves. In other words, it refers to an attitude of indifference or insensitivity towards the struggles of others, as if offering them something of little consequence, such as cake, in the face of more pressing issues like hunger or poverty.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "let them eat cake" is used to convey a sense of disregard or insensitivity towards others' needs or struggles. It can be used to dismiss someone's complaints or to imply a lack of understanding or empathy.

    Origin of "Let them eat cake"

    The origin of the idiom "let them eat cake" is often attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette of France, although there is debate over whether she actually said it. The phrase is believed to have been uttered in response to being told that the French peasants were suffering due to a lack of bread. The statement, whether historically accurate or not, has come to symbolize the attitude of the ruling class towards the plight of the common people. It has been used in literature and popular culture to criticize individuals or groups who seem disconnected from the struggles of others. The idiom has endured as a powerful symbol of indifference and lack of empathy.