at His/Her Majesty’s pleasure idiom Meaning

Idiom: At His/Her Majesty’s pleasure

Definition: The phrase “at His/Her Majesty’s pleasure” refers to something that is done according to the desires, instructions, or discretion of a monarch. In legal or official contexts, it implies that an action is valid as long as it is permitted by the reigning sovereign. The phrase is often used to indicate that someone holds a position or title with full authority granted from the monarch, or that a matter will be resolved or can continue at the whims of the monarch.

Usage: This idiom is often employed in formal, legal, or official discussions where monarchs have authority, particularly in constitutional monarchies. For example: “The prisoner was detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure.”

Etymology: The phrase originates from the formal language associated with monarchy and court proceedings, dating back to at least the 17th century. The term “pleasure” here signifies the will or desire of the sovereign, and “at His/Her Majesty’s” indicates the reference to the king or queen.

Pronunciation: /ət hɪz/ˈmædʒɛstiːz/ ˈplɛʒər/ (for “His Majesty’s”)
/ət hɜr/ˈmædʒɛstiːz/ ˈplɛʒər/ (for “Her Majesty’s”)

Synonyms: At the discretion of the monarch, by royal decree, at the sovereign’s will.

Antonyms: Against the king/queen’s decree, outside royal approval, contrary to the monarch’s wishes.

1. The soldier was informed that his promotion would be at Her Majesty’s pleasure, contingent on the outcome of the ongoing evaluation.
2. The appointments within the royal court are made solely at His Majesty’s pleasure, reflecting his personal preferences and judgments.
3. The governor’s continued tenure in the position is at His Majesty’s pleasure, subject to the approval of the monarchy’s advisors.
4. The committee operates under the direction of the monarch, executing tasks at Her Majesty’s pleasure to align with royal priorities.
5. Citizens understood that their rights to assembly and protest were granted at His Majesty’s pleasure, emphasizing the power of the crown in governance.

Take your English to the next level with YouTube videos. Tombik.com