PhrasesHub

Richard the Third

    Definitions

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

      • deceitfulness
        Refer to someone who is being dishonest or untrustworthy

    Examples of Richard the Third

    • He played Richard the Third in the school play, but his performance left them all feeling blue.

      This is an example of the idiom "leaving someone feeling blue" which means causing them to feel sad or depressed. It comes from the fact that blue paint was traditionally used to create mourning clothes in the past.

    • She promised to be his fair maiden, but then Richard the Third'd her and left her in the lurch.

      This is an example of the idiom "Richard the Third'd her" which means he treated her badly or unfairly. The phrase comes from the character of Richard III in Shakespeare's play, who was known for his cruelty. "Left her in the lurch" means abandoning her or leaving her in a difficult situation without help.

    • The team's performance was a case of two steps forward, one step back. They seemed to be stuck in a game of Richard the Third's castle.

      This is an example of the idiom "two steps forward, one step back" which means making progress, but then suffering a setback. The second example is a more creative use of the idiom "Richard the Third's castle", which is a modern interpretation of the traditional idiom "catch-22". This new idiom refers to a situation that is impossible to escape or solve.

    • They tried to cheat at cards, but Richard the Third'd them and they were left standing up without any chairs.

      This is an example of the idiom "Richard the Third'd them" which means they were treated unfairly. The second part of the statement, "left standing up without any chairs" is a creative way of saying they were left in an uncomfortable and disadvantaged position, as they didn't have any seats to sit down on. It is a playful way of describing a difficult and unfavorable situation.

    • The project manager mentioned that the current budget is "as tight as Richard the Third's pants" due to the strict financial constraints imposed by the company's board of directors.

      This idiom compares a tight or restricted situation to the medieval British king's tight pants, which were a result of his physical disabilities, namely a withered arm and a crooked spine. The phrase is used to convey a sense of extreme tightness or constraint, often financial or time-related. In this example, it is used to describe the current financial situation of the project.

    • The senator's approval ratings dropped dramatically, leaving her campaign in a "state of Tudor's last days".

      This idiom references the final days of King Henry VIII's third wife, Catherine of Aragon, who was subsequently divorced, imprisoned, and put under house arrest. The phrase is used to describe a chaotic, uncertain, or disastrous situation, often relating to politics or leadership. In this example, it's used to depict a hypothetical extreme crisis in the senator's political career.

    • The negotiations between the two countries were a "long march to Bosworth Field".

      This idiom alludes to the famous battle in 1485 in which King Richard III was defeated and killed by Henry Tudor, who later became King Henry VII. The phrase is used to describe a long and arduous process or journey that ultimately leads to a successful conclusion or outcome, which is associated with the historical victory of Henry Tudor. In this example, it's used to depict how long and difficult the negotiations could be, but the resulting solution would be worth the efforts.

    • The sales manager reminded his team of the importance of "excellence without the crown of thorns".

      This idiom is inspired by the religious symbolism of the painful crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore during his crucifixion. The phrase is used to describe an excellent or satisfactory outcome that doesn't carry the burden or difficulties associated with the crown of thorns. It emphasizes the importance of achieving high-quality outcomes without the associated challenges, difficulties, or burdens. In this example, it's used to encourage the team to pursue their objectives effectively without encountering unnecessary problems or obstacles.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Richard the Third" can be used to discourage someone from a particular action or task, suggesting that it will not result in a positive outcome. It can also be used to refer to someone who is being deceitful or untrustworthy.

    Origin of "Richard the Third"

    The idiom "Richard the Third" originates from the historical figure Richard III, who was the King of England from 1483 until his death in 1485. Richard III is often depicted as a ruthless and deceitful ruler in literature and popular culture, which has contributed to the negative connotations associated with the idiom. The use of "Richard the Third" to discourage someone or imply deceitfulness likely stems from this negative portrayal of the historical figure. The idiom has since become a part of English language and is used in various contexts to convey the intended meanings. For example, someone might use it to advise against a particular course of action or to describe someone as untrustworthy.