ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bar sinister

idiom
Meaning

The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.


Examples
SIMPLE

He felt ashamed of his bar sinister.

CONTEXTUAL

In the old novel, the character struggled to inherit the family estate because of his bar sinister.

COMPLEX

Despite his many accomplishments and his clear talent for leadership, the shadow of his bar sinister prevented him from ever ascending to the throne.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 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.

  2. 02

    bar none

    Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.

  3. 03

    bar star

    A woman who frequents bars or lounges, usually late at night.

  4. 04

    belly up to the bar

    To commit oneself to a challenge or task; to accept a responsibility; to acknowledge a fact.

  5. 05

    call to the bar

    Admission to practice in the courts.

  6. 06

    know from a bar of soap

    To know; to be acquainted with (a person).

  7. 07

    lower the bar

    to lower the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something.

  8. 08

    near and far

    [Cockney slang]bar

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