Emperor's new clothes Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A situation where people pretend to believe something that is clearly false or foolish, often because everyone else does or out of fear of standing out. The phrase comes from a famous story where no one admits the emperor is wearing nothing at all.
Usage & Nuances
Used figuratively and sometimes humorously to criticize conformity or groupthink, especially in politics, business, or art. It is almost always used with 'the', as in 'like the emperor's new clothes'. Can refer to people or things. Avoid literal use unless telling the fairy tale.
Example Sentences
Many people praised the strange painting, but it was really the emperor's new clothes.
basic
The new policy is like the emperor's new clothes; everyone sees the problems, but no one says anything.
basic
Julia called the latest trend in shoes the emperor's new clothes because no one dared say they looked bad.
basic
Honestly, this expensive gadget is just the emperor's new clothes—people buy it only because it’s popular.
natural
Don’t let fear turn your project into the emperor's new clothes—welcome honest feedback.
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It felt like emperor's new clothes at the meeting—nobody wanted to admit the plan wasn’t working.
natural