a ghost at the feast

the ghost at the feast

Someone or something that acts as a reminder of something negative and thus ruins the enjoyment of something. Primarily heard in UK. I think I'll stay home. I'm afraid that since everyone knows about my recent diagnosis, I will be the ghost at the feast.

a ghost (or spectre) at the feast

someone or something that brings gloom or sadness to an otherwise pleasant or celebratory occasion.

The ghost or spectre of Banquo at the feast in Shakespeare's Macbeth is the most famous literary instance of this. There are other versions of the expression. A skeleton at the feast dates from the mid 19th century and probably refers to the ancient Egyptian practice of having the coffin of a dead person, adorned with a painted portrait of the deceased, present at a funeral banquet. A death's head at the feast alludes to the use of a death's head or skull as a memento mori (an object which serves as a reminder of death).

词组	a ghost at the feast
释义	a ghost at the feast the ghost at the feast Someone or something that acts as a reminder of something negative and thus ruins the enjoyment of something. Primarily heard in UK. I think I'll stay home. I'm afraid that since everyone knows about my recent diagnosis, I will be the ghost at the feast. See also: feast, ghost Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. a ghost (or spectre) at the feast someone or something that brings gloom or sadness to an otherwise pleasant or celebratory occasion. The ghost or spectre of Banquo at the feast in Shakespeare's Macbeth is the most famous literary instance of this. There are other versions of the expression. A skeleton at the feast dates from the mid 19th century and probably refers to the ancient Egyptian practice of having the coffin of a dead person, adorned with a painted portrait of the deceased, present at a funeral banquet. A death's head at the feast alludes to the use of a death's head or skull as a memento mori (an object which serves as a reminder of death). See also: feast, ghost Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary See also: a crack at (someone or something) (someone or something) promises well all for the best a/the feel of (something) (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you all righty (have) got something going (with someone) a straw will show which way the wind blows accompanied by accompanied by (someone or something) References in periodicals archive But there's a ghost at the feast, as the news comes that Quinn's brother Seamus, like himself a former IRA man, has been found after 10 years missing. Theatre; Going out Staying in Ultimate home comforts PAGE 39; Making the most of your free time V The Kite Runner, But there's a ghost at the feast, as the news comes that Quinn's missing brother Seamus, like himself a former IRA man, has been found after ten years. Theatre; Inside Out; Quick guide to turning your free time into fun time
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