PhrasesHub

Motley crew

    Definitions

      • diverse group
        Refers to a group of people who are varied and different from each other in terms of appearance, background, or personality

      • unruly or disorderly group
        Describes a group of people who are disorganized, chaotic, or difficult to control

    Examples of Motley crew

    • The group of musicians that played at the local bar last night was quite the motley crew.

      This idiom is used to describe a group of people who are made up of a diverse mix of individuals, often with contrasting characteristics. In this example, the group of musicians had a variety of different styles and genres, making them a unique and eclectic group.

    • The political campaign had a motley crew of volunteers, with people from all walks of life coming together to make a difference.

      This example shows how the idiom can be applied to people from various backgrounds and experiences coming together towards a common goal. In this case, the volunteers for the political campaign had different personalities, ethnicities, and professions, but shared a common interest in supporting the campaign.

    • Sarah's art classes always had a motley crew of students, with some being complete beginners and others being experienced artists.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a group of individuals with different levels of proficiency. In this case, Sarah's art classes had a diverse group of students with varying degrees of skill, making for an interesting and dynamic learning environment.

    • The company's sales team was a real motley crew, with some members being ruthless and others being overly friendly.

      This example highlights how the idiom can be applied to a group of people with contrasting personalities or behaviours. In this case, the sales team had a mix of aggressive and friendly salespeople, making for an interesting and diverse sales force.

    • The group of musicians performing at the concert tonight was a true motley crew. From the lead singer's bright orange hair to the bassist's rainbow-colored outfit, they all looked like they had just walked out of a circus tent.

      The phrase "motley crew" is used to describe a group of people, typically diverse in appearance, background, or abilities, who come together for a particular purpose. In this example, the musicians' unique styles and appearances make them a motley crew.

    • The sales team that closed the significant deal this quarter was quite the motley crew. Each member brought their own set of skills and perspectives to the table, allowing them to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

      In this example, the phrase "motley crew" is used to describe a team of individuals with diverse skills and abilities. Although they may not appear to be a cohesive group at first, their differences ultimately help them achieve a common goal.

    • The group of protesters marching through the city streets was undoubtedly a motley crew. They ranged from elderly women wearing sensible shoes to young men wearing bandanas over their faces, but they all shared a passion for their cause.

      Here, "motley crew" is used to describe a group of people who might not seem like they belong together but are united by a common purpose. The example shows that a motley crew can include individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and appearances.

    • The cast of characters in the latest crime novel is quite the motley crew. From the gritty detective with a troubled past to the shady businessman with deep connections, they all contribute to the mystery's web.

      In this example, "motley crew" is used to describe a group of characters in a novel. The phrase highlights the diverse nature of the group and suggests that they all play a role in the story's unfolding.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "motley crew" can be used to refer to a diverse group of individuals or a group that is unruly and disorderly. It is often used to describe a group with a wide range of differences in terms of appearance, background, or personality, or a group that is disorganized and difficult to control.

    Origin of "Motley crew"

    The term "motley" originally referred to a type of cloth made up of different colors and was often associated with the attire of jesters and clowns. Over time, the term evolved to describe a group of people who were varied in appearance or character, leading to the expression "motley crew." The idiom gained popularity through its use in literature and has since become a commonly used phrase to describe a diverse or chaotic group of individuals. Examples of its usage can be found in works such as William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" and Charles Dickens' novel "Barnaby Rudge."