on sufferance
Meaning: Tolerated reluctantly and only because one has no better choice.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: From English law: sufferance denotes permission granted by default when an occupant is not actively forbidden to remain, implying grudging acceptance rather than true consent.
More idioms — Daily Life
- friend of Bill W. — A recovering alcoholic, especially one in Alcoholics Anonymous.
- wear out one's welcome — To overstay one's time as a guest until one's presence becomes unwelcome or burdensome.
- live in the past — To be preoccupied with previous events and unable to move forward in life.
- in black and white — Stated explicitly and in writing; absolutely clear and unambiguous.
- string attached — A hidden condition or requirement that makes something less advantageous than it initiall…
- back up the truck — To make a large purchase by taking advantage of a favorable price.
More English idioms
- set in stone — Unchangeable and permanent, fixed beyond modification.
- nothing short of — Absolutely; entirely; completely—nothing less than the full extent of what is stated.
- give up the ghost — To die, or to cease functioning entirely.
- hammer and tongs — With great vigor and force; in a determined and vigorous manner.
- rhyme or reason — Any logical sense or reasonable explanation.
- drop in the bucket — A contribution or action so small it is negligible compared to a massive problem.
From our compliments & insults
- Griesgram — A perpetual grump who radiates dissatisfaction and sucks the joy out of every room.
- Pantoffelheld — A man who is only bold and brave at home — a henpecked pushover who bluster turns into a…
- Schlauberger — A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.