What does “Status quo” mean?
"Status quo" means the current state or condition.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We need to challenge the status quo and strive for change.
Example
The company is content with maintaining the status quo and not taking risks.
Example
The politician promised to shake up the status quo and bring about reform
Is “Status quo” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Status quo” 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 “Status quo” effectively in context?
You can use "status quo" to refer to the current state or condition of something, often implying a desire for change or improvement. For example, if you believe that a certain policy or system needs to be changed, you might say, 'We need to challenge the status quo and strive for change.'
- 1Society
Many activists are working to disrupt the status quo and bring about social justice.
- 2Business
The company is content with maintaining the status quo and not taking risks.
- 3Politics
The politician promised to shake up the status quo and bring about reform.
Similar phrases to “Status quo”:
Shake things up
To introduce change or disruption to a situation
Example
The new CEO plans to shake things up and bring fresh ideas to the company.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Status quo” come from?
The origin of the phrase "status quo" is Latin. It translates to 'the state in which.' The phrase was first used in English in the early 18th century.
Is “Status quo” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "status quo" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used in discussions about social issues, politics, and business to express a desire for change or improvement.
What tone does “Status quo” have?
"Status quo" conveys a tone of dissatisfaction or a call for action. It is often used to challenge the current state of affairs and advocate for change.
Can “Status quo” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "status quo" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as in more formal contexts such as academic writing or professional discussions.
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, 'We need to challenge the status quo and strive for change.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to disrupt the "status quo"!' to imply a desire for change.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- current state
- existing condition
- the way things are
- established order
