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Translation

pied piper of hamelin

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The term "Pied Piper of Hamelin" refers to a character from a famous German folk tale and a poem by Robert Browning. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation:

Basic Explanation:
  • Pied Piper of Hamelin (noun): The title character in a story about a man who can charm and lead animals (especially rats) and people with his beautiful music. In the tale, he helps a town called Hamelin get rid of its rat problem, but when the townspeople refuse to pay him, he takes away their children instead.
Usage Instructions:
  • You can use "Pied Piper of Hamelin" to describe someone who has a strong influence over others, often in a way that leads them away from their responsibilities or common sense.
Example:
  • "The new leader in town was like the Pied Piper of Hamelin; everyone followed him blindly, even when his ideas seemed risky."
Advanced Usage:
  • In a more metaphorical sense, you might say someone acts like the "Pied Piper" when they attract followers or admirers through their charisma or talent, but their intentions may not be entirely clear or trustworthy.
Word Variants:
  • Pied: This means having patches of two or more colors. In the context of the Pied Piper, it refers to his colorful clothing.
  • Piper: Someone who plays a pipe or flute.
Different Meaning:
  • The phrase can also symbolize betrayal or deceit, especially when someone who seems charming leads others to a negative outcome.
Synonyms:
  • Charismatic leader
  • Influencer
  • Pied piper (used metaphorically)
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • Follow someone like a sheep: To follow someone without thinking, similar to how the children followed the Pied Piper.
  • Lead someone astray: To mislead someone, akin to how the Pied Piper led the children away.
Summary:

The "Pied Piper of Hamelin" is not just a story character; it has become a symbol for influential people who can lead others, sometimes with questionable intentions.

Noun
  1. the title character in a German folk tale and in a poem by Robert Browning

Synonyms

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