lit de Procuste

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Procrustean bed, rigid arbitrary standard
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/li də pʁɔ.kyst/
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A rigid standard that forces varied things into one shape.
Practice using lit de Procuste in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Ce formulaire unique est un lit de Procuste pour des situations très différentes.
    This single form is a Procrustean bed for very different situations.
  • Le calendrier imposé est devenu un lit de Procuste pour les chercheurs.
    The imposed schedule became a Procrustean bed for the researchers.
  • Réduire tous les romans à trois catégories reviendrait à les coucher sur un lit de Procuste.
    Reducing every novel to three categories would force them onto a Procrustean bed.
  • La réforme ne devrait pas servir de lit de Procuste aux réalités locales.
    The reform should not act as a Procrustean bed for local realities.
  • Son modèle théorique était un lit de Procuste où chaque exception disparaissait.
    His theoretical model was a Procrustean bed in which every exception disappeared.

Similar words

cadre rigide
modèle contraignant
norme arbitraire

Meanings

Forced fit to a rigid rule

ideas
literary
A rule or model that makes different people, works or situations fit one fixed pattern, damaging what does not fit.

Examples

  • Ce formulaire unique est un lit de Procuste pour des situations très différentes.
    This single form is a Procrustean bed for very different situations.
  • Réduire tous les romans à trois catégories reviendrait à les coucher sur un lit de Procuste.
    Reducing every novel to three categories would force them onto a Procrustean bed.
  • Le calendrier imposé est devenu un lit de Procuste pour les chercheurs.
    The imposed schedule became a Procrustean bed for the researchers.
  • La réforme ne devrait pas servir de lit de Procuste aux réalités locales.
    The reform should not act as a Procrustean bed for local realities.
  • Son modèle théorique était un lit de Procuste où chaque exception disparaissait.
    His theoretical model was a Procrustean bed in which every exception disappeared.

Similar words

cadre rigide
modèle contraignant
norme arbitraire

Etymology

In Greek myth, Procuste forced travellers to fit his bed by stretching them or cutting off what extended beyond it. The image became a name for a cruelly rigid rule.

FAQ

What is a lit de Procuste?

A rigid standard imposed on things that do not naturally fit it.

Who was Procuste?

A figure in Greek myth who forced travellers to fit a bed.

Is the phrase used literally?

Usually not; it describes harmful forced uniformity.

What can be called a lit de Procuste?

A rule, model or system that ignores real differences.

Is Procuste capitalized?

Yes, it is the name of the mythological figure.

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