This article aims to explain the idiomatic phrase “slings and arrows,” its meaning, and its origin. You will find clear definitions and usage examples to help you grasp how this phrase is used in different contexts.
Additionally, this article includes alternative words and phrases that convey the same meaning, providing you with a broader understanding of the term.
Slings and Arrows Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “slings and arrows” refers to the difficulties, hardships, or criticisms one faces in life. It suggests being attacked or challenged by various misfortunes or negative experiences.
Slings and Arrows Meaning
The idiom “slings and arrows” means judgments that are passed against you by someone or criticisms that you have to endure. It can also mean bad things that happen to someone that they did not make happen or ask for.
Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase
The idiomatic phrase “slings and arrows” is an older idiom. It dates back to the time of Shakespeare who was the first one to use it in his famous play Hamlet, which was written in 1599. In the play, the title character Hamlet delivers a speech in which he says “Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,…” However, the term did not become widely used until 1963.
Usage of “Slings and Arrows”
- In a personal struggle:
- “Despite the slings and arrows of life, she remained determined to achieve her dreams.”
- In public criticism:
- “The politician faced the slings and arrows of harsh media coverage but stood by his decisions.”
- In business:
- “Entrepreneurs often endure the slings and arrows of failure before finding success.”
- In a speech:
- “We must prepare ourselves for the slings and arrows of adversity as we pursue this ambitious goal.”
Related Terms to “Slings and Arrows”
- Trials and tribulations – Refers to difficult experiences or struggles that one goes through in life.
- Hard knocks – Challenges or tough experiences that teach important life lessons, often referred to as the “school of hard knocks.”
- Bumps in the road – Minor obstacles or difficulties that hinder progress temporarily.
- Fire and brimstone – Extreme hardship, often used metaphorically to describe severe consequences or intense struggles.
- Cross to bear – A heavy burden or personal difficulty that one must endure.
- Barbs and jabs – Sharp criticisms or remarks aimed at someone, similar to the figurative “slings and arrows.”
- The weight of the world – Refers to a feeling of carrying heavy burdens or responsibilities.
- Hurdles and setbacks – Obstacles or delays that challenge someone’s progress or success.
- Sticks and stones – Often used to refer to verbal attacks or criticisms, as in the phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Alternatives to “Slings and Arrows”
There are several alternative words and phrases that you can use in place of the idiom “slings and arrows.” Some of the words or phrases you could use instead include:
- Judgments and criticisms
- Adversity and troubles
- Run of bad luck
“Slings and Arrows” Examples
Example Sentences
- One must endure the slings and arrows of life because they are unavoidable.
- People can hurl their slings and arrows all they want; a strong person will endure.
- We’ve all suffered the slings and arrows of day-to-day living.
- She had suffered her own share of slings and arrows in the quest for publicity.
- Sufficient working capital must be available to meet the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune!
Example Conversations
A conversation between mother and daughter.
- Daughter: I don’t know if I can take it anymore!
- Mother: What do you mean?
- Daughter: This boy in my class keeps criticizing me for every little thing I do!
- Mother: You cannot let his slings and arrows get to you. Let him do his thing and just keep being you. What he says doesn’t matter.
A discussion between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: I am getting a bit tired of listening to the boss’s slings and arrows.
- Co-worker 2: It’s his job though. His slings and arrows should be considered and you should use them to change the way you do things and make your performance on the job better.
- Co-worker 1: That is easy for you to say. You aren’t the one having to constantly listen to him all the time.