Where did the expression robbing Peter to pay Paul come from?
The idiom "robbing Peter to pay Paul" is used to describe the situation where one problem is solved by creating another problem. The expression originated from the Bible, specifically the New Testament, where the Apostle Peter was the leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem. According to the Bible, a rich, wealthy widow named Dorcas donated a large sum of money to the Christian community. However, the money was stolen by an individual named Paul. To cover up the theft, Paul used the stolen money to pay off debts owed to the community. In doing so, he was essentially robbing Peter (the Christian community) to pay Paul (himself). The idiom "robbing Peter to pay Paul" has been used ever since to describe situations where one group or individual is financially exploited to benefit another group or individual.
Related Questions and Answers:
What does the expression "robbing Peter to pay Paul" mean?
- It means solving one problem by creating another problem.
What is the origin of the expression "robbing Peter to pay Paul"?
- It comes from the Bible, where the Apostle Peter was robbed by an individual named Paul.
How is the expression "robbing Peter to pay Paul" used today?
- It is used to describe situations where one group or individual is financially exploited to benefit another group or individual.
Can you provide an example of "robbing Peter to pay Paul"?
- A government raising taxes on citizens to pay off a national debt.
What are some alternative idioms to "robbing Peter to pay Paul"?
- "Taking from the rich to give to the poor" or "borrowing from one pocket to fill another."
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