IdiomDaily LifeEnglish

on sufferance

Meaning: Tolerated reluctantly and only because one has no better choice.

Example: “The street musicians play in the square on sufferance; the city could move them on anytime.”

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.
  • strings attached Hidden conditions or requirements that make something less advantageous than it first app…
  • 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.

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Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

  • Griesgram A perpetual grump who radiates dissatisfaction and sucks the joy out of every room.
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  • Schlauberger A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.

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