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REFERENCE

eat the rich

idiom
Meaning

An expression of contempt towards capitalism and the rich, demanding an equitable redistribution of wealth.


Origin

disputed origin

Attributed to the Genevan philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The original quotation was: “Quand le peuple n’aura plus rien à manger, il mangera le riche.” (“When the people shall have no more to eat, they will eat the rich.”) Became popular in the 21st-century United States as an anti-capitalist motto in left-wing online communities.

Examples
SIMPLE

The protesters carried signs that said eat the rich.

CONTEXTUAL

During the protest against rising inequality, the crowd chanted eat the rich to show their anger at the wealthy elite.

COMPLEX

The radical manifesto concluded with the provocative slogan eat the rich, demanding a complete restructuring of the economic system to benefit the working class.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite to eat

    A snack or quick meal.

  2. 02

    don't shit where you eat

    One should not cause trouble in places, groups, or situations that one holds as important or necessary to one's happiness or well-being.

  3. 03

    eat an elephant one bite at a time

    To do something one step at a time; to do something in steps rather than all at once.

  4. 04

    eat and leave no crumbs

    Synonym of eat (“to be very good at something; to rule; to rock”).

  5. 05

    eat away

    To physically corrode or erode (something) gradually.

  6. 06

    eat crow

    To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.

  7. 07

    eat dirt

    To eat humble pie.

  8. 08

    eat for two

    To be pregnant

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