Montezuma's Revenge

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• describe a severe case of traveler's diarrhea
  Referring to a particularly unpleasant experience of stomach illness while traveling in a foreign country

Examples of Montezuma's Revenge

• After feasting on local cuisine in Mexico for a week, Susan couldn't resist trying some street food from a vendor she met. She regretted it the next day as she was struck with Montezuma's Revenge - severe diarrhea and stomach cramps.

  Montezuma's Revenge is a colloquial term used to describe an intestinal illness that is commonly experienced by tourists who consume unfamiliar food or water in a foreign country. The illness is named after the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, who is rumored to have fallen ill from a similar bout of diarrhea and stomach cramps after consuming food during a religious ceremony.

• As the group traveled deep into the Amazon rainforest, Jonny found himself struggling with Montezuma's Revenge. He tried drinking only bottled water and eating only canned food, but the illness persisted, leaving him bedridden for the majority of the trip.

  In remote areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited, travelers are at a higher risk of contracting intestinal illnesses. Montezuma's Revenge is a common ailment for travelers who don't take proper precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food or water.

• During her visit to India, Rachel unknowingly consumed some fresh produce that had been rinsed with tap water. The next day, she woke up with Montezuma's Revenge, forcing her to cancel her plans for the day and stay in bed.

  Waterborne illnesses are a major concern in many developing countries where access to clean water is limited. Travellers should always choose bottled water or drink boiled water to avoid contracting diseases like Montezuma's Revenge, which can make their travels miserable.

• After spending a few weeks in Vietnam, Michael returned home with Montezuma's Revenge. The illness persisted for weeks, leaving him weak and unable to work.

  Some people may carry intestinal parasites that are resistant to common treatments. In such unfortunate cases, it may take several weeks for the illness to subside, making it crucial for travellers to take extreme precautions to avoid contracting parasitic infections.

• After stuffing myself with local cuisine in Mexico, I spent the rest of the night curled up in a fetal position, battling Montezuma's Revenge.

  Montezuma's Revenge is an idiom used to describe a bout of diarrhea or stomach troubles, often experienced by travelers to Mexico, as a result of consuming spicy or unfamiliar foods.

• I was relieved when my Montezuma's Revenge subsided, allowing me to fully enjoy the rest of my Mexican vacation.

  Though often associated with travel to Mexico, Montezuma's Revenge can occur in other countries as well, and is not limited to tourists.

• Even though I'd heard about Montezuma's Revenge, I was still taken aback by the severity of my symptoms.

  The phrase "Montezuma's Revenge" originated in the 1950s, and is derived from the story of Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes, who contracted dysentery after having sex with a native woman, whom he mistakenly believed to be Emperor Montezuma's wife.

• Despite the discomfort, I couldn't resist trying some spicy street food during my time in Mexico. I figure the occasional bout of Montezuma's Revenge is a small price to pay for the delicious flavors of local cuisine.

  Though some people choose to avoid certain foods in order to avoid Montezuma's Revenge, others view it as a necessary risk in experiencing the full flavor of a culture's cuisine.

Conclusion

"Montezuma's Revenge" is often used to discourage someone from taking a specific action, usually by cautioning them about the lack of positive outcomes. It is also used to describe a severe case of traveler's diarrhea experienced while traveling in a foreign country, particularly Mexico.

Origin of "Montezuma's Revenge"

The idiom "Montezuma's Revenge" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, and it is directly linked to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. The term "Montezuma" refers to Moctezuma II, the ninth Aztec emperor who ruled during the time of the Spanish conquest. The idiom is thought to have been coined as a humorous way to describe the unpleasant stomach illness that some travelers experience when visiting Mexico. The association with Montezuma and the Aztec Empire adds a historical and cultural element to the idiom, emphasizing the idea of discomfort and suffering while traveling in a foreign land.

The idiom "Montezuma's Revenge" has become a popular way to describe traveler's diarrhea, particularly when it is experienced in Mexico. It has also been used figuratively to caution against certain actions or to describe a situation that results in an unpleasant outcome. Overall, the idiom carries a sense of warning and discomfort, drawing on both historical and contemporary meanings.