bugbear

/'bʌgbeə/ Cách viết khác : (bugaboo) /'bʌgəbu:/
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bugbear

A parent tells a child that the bugbear will come if they don't go to sleep.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A source of persistent fear, anxiety, or irritation: A "bugbear" is something that causes ongoing dread, worry, or annoyance, often perceived as a persistent problem.
    • An imaginary creature used to frighten children: Historically, a "bugbear" refers to a mythical monster invoked to scare children into good behavior.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • For many parents, internet safety is a major bugbear. (Here, "bugbear" refers to a persistent source of worry.)
    • In the story, the old witch was the bugbear of the village, used to keep children from wandering into the woods. (Here, "bugbear" refers to a frightening legendary figure.)
    • His biggest bugbear at work is the endless paperwork. (Here, "bugbear" means a constant annoyance.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To be someone's bugbear": To be a particular person's persistent source of irritation or concern.
    • Lateness is the manager's bugbear; he cannot tolerate it.
  • Used to describe an irrational but persistent fear.
    • For her, flying was a lifelong bugbear.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bugaboo (noun): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "bugbear" to mean either a source of fear or an imaginary monster.
    • The proposed tax increase is a political bugaboo.
Synonyms
  • Bête noire: A person or thing one particularly dislikes or dreads.
  • Bogeyman: An imaginary evil spirit or monster used to frighten children.
  • Pet peeve: A minor annoyance that one finds particularly irritating.
  • Dread: Profound fear or apprehension.
Related Phrases
  • A hobgoblin of little minds: This phrase, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, uses "hobgoblin" similarly to "bugbear" to mean a foolish or petty fear or obstacle. A "bugbear" can be such a hobgoblin.
    • For him, change was not a challenge but a bugbear, the hobgoblin of his conservative mind.
Related Idioms
  • To have a bee in one's bonnet: To be obsessed or preoccupied with an idea, which can sometimes be a bugbear. While not identical, both phrases relate to a persistent, nagging concern.
    • He has a bee in his bonnet about recycling, which is a bugbear he brings up at every meeting.
bugbear

A parent tells a child that the bugbear will come if they don't go to sleep.

Noun
  1. an object of dread or apprehension
    • Germany was always a bugbear for France
    • A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds--Ralph Waldo Emerson
  2. an imaginary monster used to frighten children

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