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.
- nothing short of — Absolutely; entirely; completely—nothing less than the full extent of what is stated.
- live in the past — To be preoccupied with previous events and unable to move forward in life.
- hammer and tongs — With great vigor and force; in a determined and vigorous manner.
- in black and white — Stated explicitly and in writing; absolutely clear and unambiguous.
More English idioms
- set in stone — Unchangeable and permanent, fixed beyond modification.
- give up the ghost — To die, or to cease functioning entirely.
- string attached — A hidden condition or requirement that makes something less advantageous than it initiall…
- 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.
- bed of roses — A situation or life that is entirely easy, comfortable, and free from hardship.
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