“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown means that people in positions of power and leadership often face significant stress, worry, and responsibility, making their position burdensome and not as enviable as it might seem.
Tone The tone of the phrase is somber and reflective, emphasizing the gravity and challenges associated with leadership and power.
Where it comes from
This phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2, where it appears in Act 3, Scene 1. It reflects the burdens of kingship and the anxiety that accompanies being a ruler.
Examples
- As the CEO of a large corporation, she often found herself awake at night, understanding all too well that uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.
- After winning the election, the new president quickly realized uneasy lies the head that wears a crown, as the weight of leadership bore down upon him.
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