Status quo

Meaning

The idiom "status quo" refers to the existing state or condition of something, typically without any changes or improvements. It is often used in contrast to "change," "progress," or "development." The figurative meaning is that the current situation is acceptable and should be maintained or preserved at all costs.

Usage

• We need to maintain the status quo in order to ensure stability in our society.
• The government has been criticized for its failure to bring about change from the status quo.
• The company's profits remain stagnant despite their attempts to innovate and break from the status quo.
• Many people resist change, preferring to keep things the way they are in their personal lives.
• The scientific community continues to study how to improve upon the current state of technology without disrupting the status quo.

Roots and History

The idiom "status quo" is derived from Latin words that mean "such as it always was" or "in this condition." It was first used in English during the Middle Ages to refer to the legal rights and obligations of feudal lords and serfs. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe any situation that is unchanging or resistant to change.

Synonyms in English

• "Current state"
• "Standing"
• "Situation"
• "Condition"
• "Normalcy"

Synonyms in other languages

• 稳定性 (Japanese) - A stability or constancy of a situation or system.
• סטום (Hebrew) - A stable or unchanging state of things.
• הבירגה (Hebrew) - A status quo that is maintained without change.
• عامية (Arabic) - A society that preserves its traditions and customs without change.
• قوت (Persian) - A state of stability or equilibrium that resists change.

Similar Idioms

• mend fences

• takes two to tango

• screw up