more honored in the breach

短语

释义与例句

phr.
  1. 1.

    Justifiably violated; endowing greater moral standing to those who disobey. (of a rule, custom, etc.)

  2. 2.

    Frequently or usually broken in practice, with obedience being the exception. (of a rule, custom, etc.)

词源

Coined by William Shakespeare in 1602 in "Hamlet," act 1, scene 4: : But to my mind, though I am native here : And to the manner born, it is a custom : More honored in the breach than the observance.

来源：wiktionary