bar sinister
The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He felt ashamed of his bar sinister.”
“In the old novel, the character struggled to inherit the family estate because of his bar sinister.”
“Despite his many accomplishments and his clear talent for leadership, the shadow of his bar sinister prevented him from ever ascending to the throne.”
- 01
all over bar the shouting
Of an activity where the result is known, but may be subject to change, due to it not being officially finished or announced.
- 02
bar none
Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.
- 03
bar star
A woman who frequents bars or lounges, usually late at night.
- 04
belly up to the bar
To commit oneself to a challenge or task; to accept a responsibility; to acknowledge a fact.
- 05
call to the bar
Admission to practice in the courts.
- 06
know from a bar of soap
To know; to be acquainted with (a person).
- 07
lower the bar
to lower the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something.
- 08
near and far
[Cockney slang]bar
Last updated August 10, 2026