pied piper

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Explanation of "Pied Piper"

Definition: The term "Pied Piper" originally refers to a character from a German folk tale and a poem by Robert Browning. In the story, the Pied Piper is a man who plays a magical flute that attracts and leads away children (and sometimes rats) from a town. The term has come to mean a leader who entices people to follow them, often with negative consequences.

Variants:

• The phrase "Pied Piper effect" is sometimes used to describe a situation where a person leads others to a place or situation that may not be in their best interest.

Different Meanings:

• While it primarily refers to the folk tale character, "Pied Piper" can also imply someone who has a sort of magnetic influence over others, regardless of the outcome.

Synonyms:

• Leader
• Charmer
• Temptor
• Seducer (in a negative sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Pied Piper," but phrases like "follow blindly" or "lead astray" can relate to the concept of being led by someone who may not have the followers' best interests at heart.

Summary:

In summary, the "Pied Piper" is a character known for enchanting others and leading them away, often with negative consequences.

Academic

Noun

1. the title character in a German folk tale and in a poem by Robert Browning
2. a leader who entices people to follow (especially to their doom)

Synonyms

• Pied Piper
• Pied Piper of Hamelin