bar sinister: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bar sinister’ mean?
The idiom "bar sinister" refers to a symbol representing illegitimacy or dishonor in a family coat of arms. It metaphorically conveys a sense of suspicion or mistrust towards someone or something due to their questionable background or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom often used to describe a person who is disliked or considered bad, with negative qualities or behavior.
The idiom "in the dark" means being unaware or uninformed about something, lacking knowledge or understanding. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is kept ignorant or intentionally left out of important information or events.
The idiom "Indian sign" is used to describe a situation where someone gives a gesture or signal that leads to a negative or unfavorable outcome for another person, often without their knowledge or intention.
The idiom "house of ill fame" refers to a place, often a brothel, that is known for immoral activities and a bad reputation.
When used informally, the idiom "go snake" means to turn against or betray someone unexpectedly and unpredictably.
The idiom "go down the wrong way" means to do or say something that is inappropriate, offensive or causes discomfort to others.
The idiom "get into the wrong hands" means that something has fallen into the possession or control of someone who will misuse or mishandle it in some way.
The idiom "friends in low places" means having associations with people who have a low social or moral standing. These may be individuals who are not respected or accepted by society due to their behavior, reputation, or background.
The idiom "fox in the henhouse" refers to a person or thing that poses a threat or danger by infiltrating a group or situation where they are not welcome or trusted.
Hidden Revelation
The idiom bar sinister originates from heraldry and is used to describe something or someone that is perceived as being evil, illegitimate, or disreputable. The term comes from the French phrase "barré de gueule," which means "barred with a mark of disgrace." In heraldry, it refers to a bend or stripe that is placed diagonally across a coat of arms from the left side to the right side, indicating illegitimacy or other moral stain.
The exact origins of the idiom are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in medieval Europe, where coat of arms were a symbol of family heritage and social status. The placement of a diagonal stripe or bend on a coat of arms denoted illegitimate or disreputable lineage. The term "bar sinister" was later adopted into the English language and expanded its meaning beyond heraldry to encompass any mark of shame or disrepute.
Bar sinister remains a powerful metaphor, used in literature, films, and other media to convey a sense of evil or wrongdoing. It often describes characters who are morally corrupt or have questionable backgrounds. The idiom's association with heraldry and its visual imagery give it added impact, creating a lasting impression of negative qualities or traits.
The relationship between bar sinister and other idioms is worth exploring. One such idiom is "rotten egg," which is used to describe a person who is disreputable or morally corrupt. Like bar sinister, it carries a negative connotation and implies a mark of shame. A person described as a "rotten egg" shares similar qualities with someone referred to as having a bar sinister.
Another related idiom is "devil in disguise." This phrase is used to describe someone who appears to be good or innocent but is actually evil or deceptive. Just as a coat of arms may have a hidden mark of illegitimacy with a bar sinister, a person can have hidden negative qualities that are not immediately apparent. Therefore, the idiom "devil in disguise" can be seen as a metaphorical extension of the concept of a bar sinister.
The idiom "in bad odor" is also related to bar sinister. It is used to describe someone who is disliked or disreputable. Like a coat of arms with a mark of disgrace, a person in bad odor carries a negative reputation or stigma. Both idioms convey a sense of social judgment and moral stain attached to a person's character or actions.
Lastly, the idiom "blot on the escutcheon" is closely connected to bar sinister. In heraldry, an escutcheon refers to a shield on a coat of arms. A blot on the escutcheon refers to a mark of shame or disgrace on the shield. This idiom symbolizes a tarnished reputation or moral stain on a person or family, similar to how a bar sinister denotes illegitimacy or disrepute on a coat of arms.
These related idioms help to further illustrate the concept of bar sinister and its association with negative qualities, disrepute, and moral stain. Each idiom brings its own nuance and imagery to the broader theme of shame and illegitimacy, allowing for a richer understanding of this intriguing idiom.
Bar sinister is an idiom that originates from heraldry and describes something or someone as evil, illegitimate, or disreputable. Its origins lie in the placement of a diagonal stripe or bend on a coat of arms to denote illegitimacy or moral stain. The idiom has expanded in meaning over time and is now used in popular culture to convey a sense of negative qualities or traits. Other related idioms such as "rotten egg," "devil in disguise," "in bad odor," and "blot on the escutcheon" further explore the themes of shame, disrepute, and moral stain associated with a bar sinister. Together, these idioms offer insight into the enduring power of symbols and language in shaping our perceptions and judgments.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *bar sinister* can be used in a sentence:
- When the queen discovered her long-lost cousin, she was shocked to find that he had a bar sinister on his family crest.
- Even though she was born out of wedlock, Jane wore her bar sinister with pride, embracing her unique background.
- Throughout history, individuals with a bar sinister on their coat of arms were often subject to discrimination and exclusion.
More "Heraldry" idioms
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