Historical Phrases Vocabulary

a callous dismissal of others' suffering by the privileged

“Telling workers to just find better jobs is a 'let them eat cake' response.”

Origin: Attributed (likely falsely) to Marie Antoinette during French bread shortages

the full measure of human sacrifice and effort

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat—Churchill's 1940 speech.”

Origin: Churchill's first speech as Prime Minister during WWII

a barrier to information and free movement

“An iron curtain has descended across the continent—Churchill's Fulton speech.”

Origin: Churchill's 1946 description of Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe

negotiate gently but be prepared to use force

“His management style: speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Origin: Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy maxim, 1901

an event that triggers far-reaching consequences

“The assassination was the shot heard round the world.”

Origin: Emerson's description of the first shot of the American Revolution at Lexington

the ultimate commitment to freedom

“His stance on privacy was give me liberty or give me death.”

Origin: Patrick Henry's 1775 speech urging colonial resistance to Britain

ultimate responsibility rests with me

“As CEO, the buck stops here.”

Origin: Sign on Harry Truman's desk, from poker's `passing the buck`

a declaration of solidarity with those under threat

“His statement was an 'Ich bin ein Berliner' moment for the movement.”

Origin: JFK's 1963 speech at the Berlin Wall showing solidarity with West Berliners

a call to remove barriers to freedom

“Activists demanded: tear down this wall between workers and management.”

Origin: Reagan's 1987 challenge to Gorbachev regarding the Berlin Wall

a vow of total, unyielding resistance

“His we shall fight on the beaches speech rallied the demoralized team.”

Origin: Churchill's 1940 address to Parliament after Dunkirk evacuation