Under siege

Meaning

The idiom "under siege" means to be surrounded or under attack, especially by a group of people or entities that are hostile or oppressive. It can also mean to be in a difficult or dangerous situation, where one feels besieged or overwhelmed. The figurative meaning is used to describe a person's emotional state, often during a stressful or challenging time.

Usage

• The city was under siege by the enemy forces for months.
• She felt like she was under siege at work, with constant deadlines and demanding bosses.
• The protesters were under siege by the police, who used excessive force to disperse the crowd.
• The company's profits were under siege due to the economic downturn.
• He felt like he was under siege in his own mind, struggling with anxiety and depression. The usage of "under siege" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a physical attack or a more emotional state, such as feeling overwhelmed or besieged. Additionally, it can be used in a positive context when referring to a person's resilience during difficult times.

Roots and History

The phrase "under siege" dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the Old French word "sieger," which means "to besiege." It was used during medieval warfare to describe a city or fortress that was surrounded by enemies. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include more non-military contexts and can be used to describe any situation where one feels under attack or overwhelmed.

Synonyms in English

• Surrounded
• Enclosed
• Trapped
• Besieged
• Embattled

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "encerrado" (enclosed)
• French - "assiégé" (besieged)
• German - "gefangen" (captured)
• Italian - "bloccato" (blocked)
• Portuguese - "emboscado" (ambushed)

Similar Idioms

• go through channels

• get to know

• as and when