pattern

Society, Law, & Politics - Power

Explore English proverbs that depict power with sayings like "he who pays the piper, calls the tune" and "absolute power corrupts absolutely".

review-disable

Review

flashcard-disable

Flashcards

quiz-disable

Quiz

Start learning
Society, Law, & Politics
absolute power corrupts absolutely

used to imply that the more power a person has, the more likely they are to abuse that power and act in their own self-interest, rather than in the interest of others

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"absolute power corrupts absolutely\"
providence is always on the side of the big battalions

used to imply that those with greater power or resources are more likely to succeed, regardless of their individual abilities or the merits of their cause

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"providence is always on the side of the big battalions\"
rich man's joke is always funny

used to imply that people with wealth and power are often favored, and their jokes or actions may be seen as more entertaining or valuable, even if they are not particularly funny or appropriate

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"rich man's joke is always funny\"
might is right

used to imply that those who have power and authority can act without constraint or accountability, regardless of the consequences or the impact on others

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"might [is|make] right\"
he who pays the piper, calls the tune

used to emphasize that the person who provides the money or resources for a project or activity has the right to control how it is carried out and what decisions are made

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"he who pays the piper, calls the tune\"
kings have long arms

used to suggest that those in power have the resources and connections to reach beyond their immediate surroundings and enforce their authority

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"(kings|governments) have long arms\"
the post of honor is the post of danger

used to suggest that positions of high responsibility or leadership often come with great risks or potential for harm

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"the post of honor is the post of danger\"
set a beggar on horseback, and he will ride (straight) to the devil

used to suggest that someone who was previously poor or powerless may become reckless and make poor choices when suddenly given wealth or authority

[sentence]
daily words
wordlist
Close
Sign in
Definition & Meaning of \"set a beggar on horseback, and he will ride (straight|) to the devil\"
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app