more honored in the breach
Originating from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' this phrase indicates that it is more respectable to disregard a particular rule or custom.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1General
(literary)Describes a rule or custom that is more often ignored than followed.
Example
- The curfew in this town is more honored in the breach; no one follows it.
C1Ethics
(formal)Indicates that it is more respectable to break a rule or custom than to follow it, especially if the rule is considered undesirable.
Example
- In some cases, transparency regulations are more honored in the breach, as strict adherence might harm privacy.