Conclusion
“A hostage to fortune” is a phrase that is used to describe a situation in which someone’s words or actions have created a situation that could lead to negative consequences. This phrase has been used for centuries and has become a common expression in modern-day language.
Definitions
A hostage to fortune is a person or thing that is vulnerable to being used against someone or something else. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as a person’s words, actions, or beliefs.
Origin
The phrase “a hostage to fortune” has its origins in medieval times when hostages were taken as a way of ensuring that agreements between warring factions were upheld. If one side broke the agreement, the hostage would be killed. Over time, the phrase came to be used in a more metaphorical sense, referring to situations where someone’s actions or words could be used against them.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “a hostage to fortune” is fairly consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as a situation in which someone’s words or actions could be used against them in the future. Some dictionaries also note that the phrase can refer to a person or thing that is vulnerable to being used against someone else.
Associations
The phrase “a hostage to fortune” is often associated with situations where someone has made a bold statement or taken a controversial action that could come back to haunt them. It is also associated with situations where someone has put themselves in a vulnerable position, either through their own actions or through circumstances beyond their control.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for “a hostage to fortune,” including “vulnerable,” “at risk,” “exposed,” and “in danger.” These words all convey a sense of someone or something being in a precarious position.
Antonyms
The opposite of “a hostage to fortune” would be a situation in which someone’s words or actions have not created a potential problem. Antonyms for this phrase might include “safe,” “secure,” “protected,” or “insulated.”
The same root words
The phrase “a hostage to fortune” does not have any direct root words, but it does contain the word “hostage,” which comes from the Old French word “ostage.” This word originally referred to a person who was held as a pledge or security for the performance of an agreement.
Example Sentences
- “By making that statement, you have become a hostage to fortune.”
- “She knew that her decision to speak out would make her a hostage to fortune.”
- “The company’s reliance on a single supplier made it a hostage to fortune.”
- “He realized too late that his actions had made him a hostage to fortune.”
- “The politician’s controversial remarks had made him a hostage to fortune, and his opponents were quick to capitalize on it.”
“A hostage to fortune” is a phrase that has been used for centuries to describe situations where someone’s words or actions have created a potential problem. Whether it’s a bold statement, a controversial action, or a vulnerability to outside forces, being a hostage to fortune can be a dangerous position to be in. By understanding the meaning and associations of this phrase, we can better navigate situations where our words and actions could come back to haunt us.