PROCRUSTEAN BED Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Procrustean bed" refers to a rigid system, standard, or set of rules that demands conformity and uniformity, often at the expense of individual differences or unique circumstances. Originating from Greek mythology, the concept is derived from the story of Procrustes, a rogue smith who owned an iron bed. He would capture his guests and then stretch or amputate their limbs to fit the bed, thus forcing them to conform to its size.
In a more figurative sense, a Procrustean bed is an inflexible framework or approach that disregards the realities and complexities of a situation. This can be seen in various contexts, such as politics, education, or organizational behavior. For example, a Procrustean bed policy in education could prioritize standardized testing over individual learning styles or needs. Similarly, in the business world, a Procrustean bed approach might enforce stringent rules and procedures that do not account for diverse employee circumstances or capabilities.
The term is often used to critique any oppressive or uncompromising system that fails to accommodate individual variations or circumstances. It suggests a lack of adaptability, empathy, and recognition of the diverse and unique nature of human experience. The Procrustean bed serves as a cautionary tale against imposing rigid molds or standards onto individuals and situations that may require flexibility and personalized approaches.
Common Misspellings for PROCRUSTEAN BED
- orocrustean bed
- lrocrustean bed
- -rocrustean bed
- 0rocrustean bed
- peocrustean bed
- pdocrustean bed
- pfocrustean bed
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- p4ocrustean bed
- pricrustean bed
- prkcrustean bed
- prlcrustean bed
- prpcrustean bed
- pr0crustean bed
- pr9crustean bed
- proxrustean bed
- provrustean bed
- profrustean bed
- prodrustean bed
Etymology of PROCRUSTEAN BED
The term "Procrustean bed" refers to a standard, fixed, or arbitrary measure to which people or things are mercilessly forced to conform. It originates from Greek mythology and specifically from the story of Procrustes, a rogue smith and bandit.
According to the myth, Procrustes lived near Athens and had an iron bed that was his trademark. He invited travelers passing by to stay the night at his home. The irony, however, was that the length of his bed was not fixed - it could be adjusted to fit whoever lied down on it.
Procrustes would stretch or amputate the limbs of his guests to make them perfectly fit the bed. If a guest was shorter than the bed, Procrustes would forcefully stretch their limbs until they reached the desired length. If the guest was longer than the bed, he would cut off the excess parts.
Idioms with the word PROCRUSTEAN BED
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a Procrustean bed
The idiom "a Procrustean bed" refers to a rigid or inflexible standard or rule that forces conformity or uniformity, often disregarding individual differences or unique circumstances. It originates from the Greek myth of Procrustes, a bandit who would stretch or amputate his victims to fit them into a specific bed size. In a figurative sense, the term describes a situation or system that enforces a fixed set of criteria, limiting personal choice or flexibility.
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