Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A legendary English outlaw: Refers to a famous folk hero from the 12th century, celebrated in ballads and stories for stealing from the wealthy and giving to the poor.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The tales of Robin Hood are set in Sherwood Forest.
  • Many stories portray Robin Hood as a champion of the common people.

Advanced Usage

• "a Robin Hood policy": A policy or action perceived as taking from a wealthy or powerful group to benefit a less advantaged one.
  • The politician's tax plan was criticized by opponents as a Robin Hood policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Robin Hood-esque (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the actions or ethos of Robin Hood.
  • The philanthropist's anonymous donations had a Robin Hood-esque quality.

Synonyms

• Outlaw: A person who has broken the law, especially one who remains at large.
• Bandit: A robber or outlaw belonging to a gang.

Related Phrases

• "to rob Peter to pay Paul": To take from one source to give to another, often solving one problem by creating another. (This idiom shares a conceptual link with redistribution but is distinct from the Robin Hood legend).
  • Using the emergency fund for routine repairs is just robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Related Idioms

• "Steal from the rich and give to the poor": The defining phrase associated with Robin Hood's mission.
  • His charitable foundation operates on a principle of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

Noun

1. legendary English outlaw of the 12th century; said to have robbed the rich to help the poor