william tell
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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)