Where’d That Come From?
March 26th, 2010
Trying something new. I don’t know about you but I’ve always been fascinated by the origin of commonly used sayings. Some not so commonly used (that last part is probably just me.) So I will share with you my research for some of my favorite sayings, phrases, or figures of speech.
This first one is not so commonly used but I heard it used just the other day and it got me started. I knew it was from the Roman empire but after that…
Bread and Circuses
This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal (circa 100 AD ). In context, the Latin phrase panis et circenses (bread and circuses) is given as the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which has given up its birthright of political involvement. In other words, give us cheap food and entertain us and you have our vote. Have things changed so much in the interim? Hmmm?
Grammar Punk Sentence: C E 2
“It’s all bread and circuses,” Cecily murmured, passing out donuts outside the voting booth.
Give it a try. Share your sentence containing this figure of speech and 2 of the letters C and E.