bed of roses, a
Definition: A delightful place, a very pleasant situation. The metaphor was employed by English poets from Christopher Marlowe onwards. Today it is often used in a negative sense—that is, some situation is not a bed of roses. Indeed, the metaphor lacks literal truth anyway, as garden expert Allen Lacy pointed out in a New York Times column of 1987: “A bed of roses isn’t, considering all the fussy care they require—remove faded blossoms, minor pruning, spraying, dusting.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Walk in the park
- Easy street
- Smooth sailing
- Peachy
Synonyms:
- Paradise
- Heaven
- Delight
- Utopia
Antonyms:
- Bed of nails
- Uphill battle
- Tough row to hoe
- Hardship
Humor-Filled Quote: “Life is no bed of roses. Nor, for that matter, is it a bed of thorns. It’s more like a grand old sumo match – unpredictable and oddly entertaining.” - Anecdotal Andy
Proverbs:
- “Every rose has its thorn.” — Reminding us that every good situation can have its challenges.
- “You can’t have the rainbow without the rain.” — Highlighting the juxtaposition of ups and downs in life.
References in Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- “Come live with me and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove, That hills and valleys, dale and field, Or woods or steepy mountain yield.” — Christopher Marlowe, The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
- “Every rose has its thorn.” — Poison, iconic song representing life’s inherent challenges.
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – A classic novel where the discovery of a hidden, neglected garden mirrors the pursuit of joy amidst pain.
Inspirational Farewell: Remember, while life may not always present a ‘bed of roses,’ it’s the thorns that shape our strength and resilience. Embrace every petal and thorn alike, for each contributes to the beautiful, intricate blossom of your journey. 🌹
