the 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 ghost at the feast
  • 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
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • accompanied by (someone or something)
  • accompany
References in periodicals archive
Fianna Fail is like the ghost at the feast. They need to be there, it's a big flaw."
GIVE MICHEAL A CALL, ENDA; Kenny urged to contact rival over coalition talks
Kat's quite the ghost at the feast, but eventually decides to go, distraught.
carla bags bad injuries; SOAPS & MOVIES; CORONATION STREET Factory Boss Seriously Hurt In Bistro Robbery
Leaving aside the inclusion of Staite Murray's splendid pots, in a way the ghost at the feast in this exhibition is Alfred Wallis.
Shared interests: Peyton Skipwith applauds an exploration of the creative links between five modern British artists
It is the ghost at the feast. Even so, the summit has far more important, if related, functions.
The ghost at the banquet
The ghost at the feast of this year's bank results has been the report on banking for small businesses and the Government's reaction to it.
City View: Banks fear spectre lying in wait at Brown's Budget
Overall, the Sussex was a tribute to Intikhab, but he is going to be the ghost at the feast for next couple of months and presumably Stoute will take advantage of that fact, keep Among Men's feet under the top table and get the big horse to consume as much Group 1 nourishment as possible until the Godolphin star returns to the fray.
Playing while the cat is away; Stoute's patience rewarded with victory in the Sussex Stakes as Royal Ascot conqueror Intikhab can only stand in his box