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Phrase of the Day (the emperor’s new clothes)-30SEP20

Phrase of the Day (the emperor's new clothes)-30SEP20

Today’s “Phrase of the Day” is the emperor’s new clothes and its meaning is “used to explain a situation where people are afraid to criticize a powerful person because all others (i.e., companions & followers) admire him/her pretending whatever he/she says is true (or he/she does is of value).

Example Sentence: The emperor’s new clothes is a cautionary tale (story) that politicians know well. A vain (self-admiring & worthless) ruler who cannot resist buying new garments is sold an imaginary new suit. Out on a stroll (leisurely walk) in this “magical” attire (dress), he is revealed to be naked by a little boy. Hans Christian Andersen’s exercise in groupthink has the emperor, despite the obvious, continuing to claim that he is garbed (dressed) in finery (expensive clothes). It is a subversive message; that power can bend the truth. Donald Trump thinks himself such a ruler.

This phrase is present in The Guardian article The Guardian view on Trump’s tax take: only for the little people and click here to read it.

Courtesy: The Guardian

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