How to Pronounce "bread and circuses"
expression
ˈbɹɛd/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈsɝkəsəz
BRED and SUR-kuh-siz
bɹˈɛd/ /ˈænd/ /sˈɜːkəsɪz
bred and SUR-kuh-siz
Definition
'Bread and circuses' refers to activities or entertainment provided to people to keep them happy and distracted from more important issues, often used to describe political strategies.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbɹɛd/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈsɝkəsəz
British English
bɹˈɛd/ /ˈænd/ /sˈɜːkəsɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BRED and SUR-kuh-siz
UK
bred and SUR-kuh-siz
Listen in Context
The government offered bread and circuses to avoid dealing with real problems.
Many people think sports events are just bread and circuses for the masses.
Critics accused the mayor of using bread and circuses to distract from city issues.
All that free entertainment is just bread and circuses if nothing changes.