PhrasesHub

Now is the winter of our discontent

    Definitions

      • expressing dissatisfaction or unhappiness
        To convey the feeling of being in a period of difficulty or unhappiness

      • change for the better
        To express the hope for improvement or a better future despite current challenges

    Examples of Now is the winter of our discontent

    • The company's financial reports have been less than impressive in recent months, and the CEO has acknowledged that "now is the winter of our discontent" as they face tough decisions about cost-cutting and restructuring.

      The phrase "now is the winter of our discontent" is used metaphorically to describe a time of hardship and adversity. It comes from the opening lines of William Shakespeare's play "Richard III," where the character Richard forecasts a period of misery and unhappiness for his people. In this example, it is being used to convey the current state of the company, which is experiencing financial difficulties and is having to make difficult decisions in order to address these challenges. ANOTHER

    • As the team struggled to find a solution to the complex problem they were facing, one member declared "now is the winter of our discontent" in frustration.

      This example shows the use of the idiom in the middle of a sentence, rather than at the beginning. It is being used to emphasize the sense of tension and difficulty that the team is facing as they grapple with a difficult problem. ANOTHER

    • The media have been critical of the government's handling of the crisis, with one commentator proclaiming "now is the winter of our discontent" in a scathing editorial.

      In this example, the idiom is being used in the context of wider societal issues or events, rather than just in relation to a specific organization or team. It is being used to evoke a sense of general hardship and difficult times, and to highlight the severity of the crisis being faced by those affected.

    • Despite the challenges they are facing, the team is determined to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side. They know that "now is the winter of our discontent," but they are committed to working together to see it through.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom as the final line in a sentence, rather than as the opening phrase. It is being used to convey the team's resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and to suggest that they are well-prepared to cope with the difficult times ahead.

    • In the midst of the economic downturn, many businesses are feeling discontented with their current state.

      This idiom, originating from Shakespeare's Richard III, is often used to describe a time of hardship or adversity. In this instance, it can be seen as a metaphor for the current state of the global economy, where many individuals and companies are struggling in the face of financial hardship.

    • Despite the bleak weather, the team remained determined to overcome the challenges ahead.

      This use of the idiom is more literal, referring to the current winter season, which is often associated with feelings of discontent due to the cold weather and shorter days of sunlight. However, in this context, it is being used to show the determination of the team, who are facing difficulties but persevering through them.

    • After the scandal erupted, the public's discontent for the politician reached an all-time high.

      In this example, "discontent" is being used as a figurative term to describe a negative sentiment or opinion held by a group of people. Following the scandal, the politician's popularity among the public plummeted, leading to a high level of discontent among citizens.

    • The protagonist's discontent at being stuck in a small town eventually led her to move to the city in search of better opportunities.

      Here, "discontent" is being used as a precursor to action, highlighting the protagonist's desire to improve her situation and seek out new opportunities. The winter season, in this case, is merely the backdrop against which the character's discontent is being expressed. This use of the idiom serves to emphasize the protagonist's dissatisfaction with her current situation and her motivation to take action to improve it.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Now is the winter of our discontent" can be used to convey a sense of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, as well as a hope for change and improvement. It is often used to express the feeling of being in a difficult period or to convey optimism for a better future despite current challenges.

    Origin of "Now is the winter of our discontent"

    The idiom "Now is the winter of our discontent" is a famous line from William Shakespeare's play, Richard III. In the play, Richard III speaks these words to express his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and his hope for change and better times ahead. The phrase has since become a popular idiom used to convey similar sentiments of unhappiness and the desire for improvement. The use of "winter" as a metaphor for a difficult or unhappy period is a common literary device, and in this idiom, it effectively conveys the feeling of being in a metaphorical "winter" of discontent. The idiom has endured through the centuries and is still widely used in modern English.