What does “Judge, jury and executioner” mean?
"Judge, jury and executioner" means someone who has the power to make decisions and carry out punishments without any input or oversight from others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The dictator acted as the judge, jury and executioner in his regime.
Example
The vigilante took on the role of judge, jury and executioner in the city's crime-ridden streets.
Example
The corrupt official saw himself as the ultimate judge, jury and executioner in the courtroom
Is “Judge, jury and executioner” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Judge, jury and executioner” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Judge, jury and executioner” effectively in context?
You can use "Judge, jury and executioner" to describe someone who has the power to make decisions and carry out punishments without any input or oversight from others. It emphasizes the idea of one person having complete control and authority. For example, if you want to criticize a leader who abuses their power, you might say, 'He acts as the judge, jury, and executioner, making all the decisions without considering anyone else's opinion.'
- 1Politics
The dictator acted as the judge, jury and executioner in his regime.
- 2Vigilantism
The vigilante took on the role of judge, jury and executioner in the city's crime-ridden streets.
- 3Corruption
The corrupt official saw himself as the ultimate judge, jury and executioner in the courtroom.
Similar phrases to “Judge, jury and executioner”:
A system of government where one person has absolute power and control
Example
The autocratic ruler made all decisions without consulting anyone else.
One-man show
A situation where one person has complete control and authority
Example
The CEO ran the company like a one-man show, making all the decisions.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Judge, jury and executioner” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Judge, jury and executioner" is unknown.
Is “Judge, jury and executioner” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Judge, jury and executioner" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other idioms. However, it is still used to criticize individuals or systems that have unchecked power and authority.
What tone does “Judge, jury and executioner” have?
"Judge, jury and executioner" conveys a tone of criticism and disapproval. It is often used to highlight the negative consequences of one person having absolute control over decision-making and punishment.
Can “Judge, jury and executioner” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Judge, jury and executioner" is more commonly used in informal conversations rather than formal settings. It is often used in discussions about politics, justice, and power dynamics.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The dictator acted as the judge, jury, and executioner in his regime.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He thinks he's the judge, jury, and executioner!' to imply someone's excessive control.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- dictator
- tyrant
- despot
- authoritarian
- autocrat
- ruler with unchecked power
Antonyms
- democratic
- accountability
- checks and balances
- collaborative decision-making
- shared authority
