IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englisha Procrustean bed
Meaning: A rigid standard forced on everything, whatever the damage.
Example: “The standardized test is a Procrustean bed for creative students.”
Origin: In Greek myth, the bandit Procrustes made travelers fit his bed by stretching them or cutting off their legs, until Theseus killed him.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Un lit de Procuste Literally: A bed of Procrustes
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