after the Lord Mayor’s show: Idiom Meaning and Origin

After the Lord Mayor's show is an idiom that originates from England and dates back to at least the early 19th century. It is used to describe a situation where the excitement or interest surrounding an event or occasion has diminished or passed, and what remains is a feeling of disappointment or anticlimax.

The Lord Mayor's Show, which has been taking place since the 16th century, is a lavish procession that features floats, performers, and marching bands. It is a highly anticipated event that attracts large crowds and generates a great deal of excitement and spectacle.

However, once the parade is over, the excitement subsides, and the reality of everyday life sets in. The idiom "after the Lord Mayor's show" is often used to convey a sense of disappointment or letdown after a highly anticipated or exciting event. It suggests that the aftermath of the event does not live up to the expectations or hype that preceded it.

This feeling of deflation can occur in various contexts, such as a sporting event, a concert, a party, or even a personal achievement. For example, someone might say, "The concert was amazing, but the afterparty was a bit of an after the Lord Mayor's show." This means that while the concert itself was a great experience, the subsequent afterparty was underwhelming compared to the high expectations set by the concert.

The idiom "after the Lord Mayor's show" captures the sentiment of disappointment or anticlimax that can follow a highly anticipated or exciting event. It draws its meaning from the tradition of the Lord Mayor's Show in London, where the excitement surrounding the grand parade fades once the event is over.

This idiom serves as a reminder that the buildup to an event does not guarantee its post-event experience will be as fulfilling or exciting. The phrase leaves open the possibility of exploring the complex emotions and varying responses one may have when faced with the contrast between expectation and reality.

"after the fact" is another idiom that is related to "after the Lord Mayor's show." It is used to describe something that happens or is discovered after an event has taken place. It implies that the information or knowledge was not available or considered beforehand. The idiom suggests that hindsight reveals the true outcome or consequences of a situation.

For example, one might say, "He realized the mistake after the fact." This means that the person only understood or recognized the error or consequence of their actions after the event had already occurred.

"after all" is also connected to "after the Lord Mayor's show." It is used to introduce or emphasize a point that contradicts or modifies what has been previously stated or believed. This idiom implies that all the relevant information has been considered, and a conclusion or decision is reached based on those facts.

For instance, someone might say, "I thought she would be upset, but after all, she understood my reasons." This means that despite initial expectations, the person ultimately realized that the other party was understanding and accepting of their reasons.

"in the wake of" is another idiom associated with "after the Lord Mayor's show." It is used to describe the aftermath or consequences that occur as a result of a significant event or situation. The idiom suggests that the effects or impact of the event continue to be felt long after the event itself has passed.

For example, one might say, "In the wake of the scandal, many changes were made to improve transparency." This means that following the scandal, numerous actions were taken to enhance transparency and prevent similar incidents from happening again.

The idioms "after the fact," "after all," and "in the wake of" share similarities with "after the Lord Mayor's show." They all convey a sense of something happening or being discovered after an event has taken place or that there are consequences or modifications to what was previously believed or expected.