honor in the breach en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Meanings
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(US, idiomatic, transitive) To demonstrate (a rule, law, or policy) by breaking or breaching it.
Hamlet: Ay, marry, is't: But to my mind, though I am native here And to the manner born, it is a custom More honour'd in the breach than the observance.
c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:Many religious precepts are honoured in the breach.
2014 February 21, “Not poles apart”, in The Economist:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| honoring in the breach | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| honored in the breach | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| honored in the breach | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| honors in the breach | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |
Relateds
exception that proves the rule · spirit of the law · in spirit · more honored in the breach · honour in the breach