Definition

Proper noun A legendary Swiss folk hero and patriot from the early 14th century, famed for his extraordinary skill as an archer. The core legend recounts that he was forced by a tyrannical Austrian governor to shoot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow, a feat he successfully accomplished.

Usage Examples

• The story of William Tell symbolizes resistance against oppression.
• Many operas and plays have been written about the legend of William Tell.
• He displayed William Tell-like precision with his shot.

Advanced Usage

• "A William Tell act": Used to describe any act requiring great precision and steady nerves under pressure, often involving risk to another person.
  • The surgeon's delicate operation was a real William Tell act.

Variants and Related Words

• Tell, William (Alternative formatting)
• William Tell Overture: The famous musical piece by Gioachino Rossini, composed for his opera .

Synonyms

• Folk hero
• Patriot
• Marksman (in the context of the legend)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A William Tell situation": A scenario where someone is forced to perform a dangerous or difficult task under threat.
  • The hostile questioning felt like a William Tell situation, designed to make him fail.

Noun

1. a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)