Slings and arrows Meaning in English

expression

US

SLINGZ and AIR-ohz

UK

SLINGZ and AR-ohz

Definition

An expression meaning the difficulties, attacks, or troubles that people experience in life, especially things that hurt or challenge them.

Usage & Nuances

This is a literary and poetic expression, first used by Shakespeare in 'Hamlet.' It's formal or rhetorical, not used in casual conversation. It often appears as 'the slings and arrows of life' or 'the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,' meaning hardships or unfair challenges.

• Spanish: golpes y desgracias - dificultades
• Portuguese (BR): pedradas e flechas (da vida) - dificuldades
• Portuguese (PT): pedradas e flechas (da vida) - dificuldades
• Chinese (Simplified): 打击与苦难 - 困难
• Chinese (Traditional): 打擊與苦難 - 困難
• Hindi: मुसीबतें और परेशानियाँ
• Arabic: السهام والمصائب - الصعوبات
• Bengali: দুঃখ-কষ্ট ও আঘাত
• Russian: напасти и удары судьбы
• Japanese: 苦難や試練
• Vietnamese: sóng gió và thử thách
• Korean: 시련과 고난
• Turkish: zorluklar ve sıkıntılar
• Urdu: مصیبتیں اور مشکلات
• Indonesian: cobaan dan penderitaan

Example Sentences

He bravely faced the slings and arrows of life.

basic

Everyone has to deal with the slings and arrows that come their way.

basic

She was tired after years of the slings and arrows of fortune.

basic

After all the slings and arrows this year, I still managed to stay positive.

natural

Sometimes you just have to accept the slings and arrows and move on.

natural

He's learned how to handle the slings and arrows without losing hope.

natural