STRANGE BEDFELLOWS Meaning and
Definition
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Strange bedfellows is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation where two or more unlikely or seemingly incompatible entities or individuals form an association or alliance for a specific purpose, despite their inherent differences or opposing interests. This phrase originates from the idea that two people who normally wouldn't share a bed or be in close proximity might find themselves uniting in a common cause.
The term "bedfellows" literally means individuals who share a bed, typically symbolizing intimacy or close association. When prefixed by "strange," it connotes a sense of peculiarity or oddity. In the context of this expression, it reflects the unlikely or surprising nature of the alliance or cooperation formed between these contrasting entities.
The phrase is frequently used in politics and describes how individuals or groups, with divergent ideologies or opposing viewpoints, temporarily set aside their differences and align themselves to achieve a particular goal. It showcases the flexible and unpredictable nature of human relationships and the fluidity of alliances in different contexts.
Moreover, "strange bedfellows" can also be applied to describe any situation or partnership where seemingly disparate or unexpected entities collaborate in a particular venture or endeavor. It highlights the temporary nature of such alliances and emphasizes the unusual or surprising combination of parties involved.
Overall, the idiom "strange bedfellows" conveys the notion of unexpected collaborations or alliances between entities that are typically at odds, highlighting the paradoxical nature of human associations.
Common Misspellings for STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
- atrange bedfellows
- ztrange bedfellows
- xtrange bedfellows
- dtrange bedfellows
- etrange bedfellows
- wtrange bedfellows
- srrange bedfellows
- sfrange bedfellows
- sgrange bedfellows
- syrange bedfellows
- s6range bedfellows
- s5range bedfellows
- steange bedfellows
- stdange bedfellows
- stfange bedfellows
- sttange bedfellows
- st5ange bedfellows
- st4ange bedfellows
- strznge bedfellows
Etymology of STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
The phrase "strange bedfellows" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest", which was believed to be written around the early 17th century. In Act II, Scene II of the play, one of the characters, Trinculo, remarks, "Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows".
The term "strange bedfellows" is a metaphoric expression that suggests the unlikely or surprising alliances that can arise between people who may have differing, or even opposing, interests or backgrounds. The phrase itself implies the notion of people sharing a bed, which was a common practice during Shakespeare's time when beds were often shared with strangers due to limited accommodations.
Over time, the phrase "strange bedfellows" gained popularity and became a proverbial expression used to describe any unusual or unexpected alliances or connections that emerge, both in politics and in various aspects of life.
Idioms with the word STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
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make odd/strange bedfellows
The idiom "make odd/strange bedfellows" refers to a situation where two or more people or groups who are typically very different or have conflicting interests or ideologies are forced to work together or form an alliance.
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Politics makes strange bedfellows.
This idiom means that in politics, people or groups that are normally enemies or would not usually associate with each other may work together or be allies for a common goal or cause.
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strange bedfellows
The idiom "strange bedfellows" refers to unlikely or unusual alliances or partnerships between people or groups who would not typically associate with each other.
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