on sufferance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on sufferance’ mean?
The idiom "on sufferance" means to be allowed to do something, but only because someone else allows it or tolerates it, often with a sense of disapproval or reluctance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "suffer fools gladly" means to have patience or tolerance for people who are foolish or lacking in intelligence or common sense.
An idiom meaning to be in a difficult or challenging situation that needs to be resolved or fixed. It implies being in a state of trouble or inconvenience.
The idiom "on the receiving end" means being the person who is directly affected or subjected to someone else's actions or behavior. It implies being on the receiving side of something, typically negative or unpleasant.
The idiom "on tenterhooks" means to be in a state of suspense or anxiety, waiting for something uncertain or important to happen. The feeling is similar to being on pins and needles, with a heightened sense of anticipation.
The idiom "on someone's hands" means that someone is responsible or accountable for something or someone.
The idiom "on someone's dime" means that someone is paying for something on another person's behalf, usually referring to expenses or costs. It implies that someone else is covering the expenses, taking responsibility for the payment.
The idiom "on account of" means because of a particular reason or cause.
The idiom "on the lam" means to be running or hiding from the authorities to avoid capture or punishment.
Unspoken Acceptance
The idiom "on sufferance" is a phrase in the English language that describes a situation where someone is allowed to exist or be somewhere, but only because another person or group permits them to do so. It implies a sense of tolerance or acceptance that can be withdrawn at any time. This idiom originated in the 18th century and has been in use ever since.
The term "sufferance" comes from the Middle English word "suffrance," which means endurance or toleration. It evolved from the Old French word "soffrir," meaning to permit or allow. The idiom "on sufferance" takes this root term and adds the preposition "on" to indicate the conditional or dependent nature of someone's presence or actions.
In practical terms, this idiom is often used when an individual or entity is tolerated or accommodated by another party, even though they may not have a formal right to be there. For example, a person may be allowed to stay in a particular place or join a group, but their presence is based on the goodwill or lenience of others. This idiom emphasizes the fragile and temporary nature of such arrangements.
Furthermore, "on sufferance" can convey a sense of reluctance or disapproval on the part of the party allowing someone to be there. It suggests that the person or group being tolerated is seen as an inconvenience or burden, but they are permitted to remain nonetheless. This reinforces the conditional nature of "on sufferance" and emphasizes the potential for the arrangement to be abruptly terminated.
It is important to note that this idiom can also be used in a broader, metaphorical sense. It can be applied to situations beyond physical presence or permission granted. For instance, someone may be said to be in a job or position "on sufferance," indicating that their continued role is subject to scrutiny or can be revoked if they fail to meet certain expectations.
When it comes to related idioms, one phrase that comes to mind is "suffer fools gladly." This idiom means to tolerate or put up with foolish or ignorant people. It can be related to the idiom "on sufferance" as both convey a sense of tolerance, but "suffer fools gladly" specifically refers to tolerating foolish behavior or individuals.
Another idiomatic phrase related to "on sufferance" is "on someone's account." This phrase means for someone's benefit or because of someone. In the context of "on sufferance," this phrase could be used to describe a situation where someone is allowed to be somewhere or participate in something because of another person's influence or request.
"live and let live" is another idiom that can be connected to "on sufferance." This phrase means to be tolerant of others' choices or actions and to not interfere with them. Like "on sufferance," it emphasizes the idea of coexisting and tolerating others, but "live and let live" is more focused on promoting harmony and acceptance in a broader sense.
The final related idiom is "live with." This phrase means to accept or tolerate something, usually a difficult or undesirable situation. "Live with" can be linked to "on sufferance" as it revolves around tolerating or accepting a situation, even if it is not ideal. Both idioms highlight the need to endure or tolerate certain circumstances.
To sum up, "on sufferance" is an expression in the English language that emphasizes the conditional and temporary nature of someone's presence or actions. It originated in the 18th century and can be used to describe situations where someone is tolerated or allowed to be somewhere or participate in something, but their continued presence depends on the goodwill of others. Related idioms such as "suffer fools gladly," "on someone's account," "live and let live," and "live with" further explore the themes of tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom on sufferance can be used in a sentence:
1. I was allowed into the exclusive club, but only on sufferance, as I wasn't a member.
2. The new employee felt like she was on sufferance in the workplace, as her colleagues didn't fully accept her.
3. The landlord let his tenant stay on the property, but only on sufferance, until they found a more permanent place to live.
More "Usage" idioms
