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Procrustean Bed for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: proʊ'krəstiən_bɛd

What does Procrustean Bed really mean?

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Hey there! So, I see you're curious about the phrase "Procrustean Bed", right? Well, don't you worry, I'll do my best to explain it in the simplest way possible. Ready? Let's go!

Imagine you're trying to buy a new pair of shoes. Now, when you go to the store, you might find that they only sell shoes in one standard size. That means no matter how big or small your feet are, you have to cram them into that one-size-fits-all shoe. Ouch, right? Well, that's kind of like a Procrustean Bed!

You see, in ancient Greek mythology, there was this guy named Procrustes. He had this bed that was a very strange bed indeed. Procrustes would make his guests lie on this bed, and if they were too tall, he would chop off their feet to make them fit. And if they were too short, he would stretch them out until they fit the length of the bed. Yikes!

So, if we take that ancient story and apply it to other situations, a "Procrustean Bed" basically means a rigid standard or rule that everyone has to fit into, no matter what. It's like trying to squeeze a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn't work!

To put it simply, a Procrustean Bed refers to a situation where there is a strict, inflexible standard or rule that applies to everyone, without considering their individual differences or circumstances. It's like forcing everyone to conform to the same mold, even if it doesn't fit them well.

Now, it's important to note that Procrustean Bed can also have a metaphorical meaning. In this sense, it may refer to a situation where someone tries to force their own beliefs or ideas onto others, disregarding their unique perspectives and values. It's like trying to make everyone think and act the same, which simply isn't fair or realistic, right?

So, whether we're talking about physical standards, rules, or even ideas and beliefs, a Procrustean Bed represents a rigid and unrealistic expectation that just doesn't take into account the individuality of people and their unique circumstances. And hey, nobody likes being forced into something that doesn't fit, do they?

I hope that clears things up! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, just let me know. I'm here to help you understand, no matter how many examples or explanations it takes!

Revised and Fact checked by David Williams on 2023-10-28 16:50:19

Procrustean Bed In a sentece

Learn how to use Procrustean Bed inside a sentece

  • Imagine a teacher who gives every student a test with exactly the same questions, even though some students are much better at certain subjects than others. This is like forcing everyone into a Procrustean Bed, where they have to fit the same mold, regardless of their abilities.
  • In a Procrustean Bed situation, imagine a company that requires all of its employees to work the exact same hours, even though some employees may be more productive early in the morning or late at night. This can be very frustrating for those who function better at different times.
  • If a strict coach wants all of the team members to have the same playing style, even though each player has different strengths and weaknesses, it is like forcing them into a Procrustean Bed. It may make some players feel uncomfortable or unable to perform their best.
  • Imagine a school that only provides one type of teaching method for all students, without considering their individual learning needs or preferences. This is like fitting all students into a Procrustean Bed, even though they may benefit from different approaches.
  • In a Procrustean Bed scenario, imagine a society where everyone is expected to conform to the same set of cultural norms and values, even though people have diverse backgrounds and beliefs. This can be stifling and limit individual expression.

Procrustean Bed Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Procrustean Bed Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.