What does “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” mean?

"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" means that a person in a position of power or authority often has a lot of responsibilities and worries.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

As the CEO of a large company, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Example

The president of the country knows that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Example

Being the captain of the team comes with a lot of pressure, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown

Is “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” 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 “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” effectively in context?

You can use "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" to highlight the challenges and pressures faced by someone in a position of power or authority. It emphasizes the idea that being in charge comes with a lot of responsibilities and worries. For example, if a friend complains about the stress of managing a team at work, you might say, 'Well, as they say, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.'

1Leadership
As the CEO of a large company, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
As the CEO of a large company, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
2Politics
The president of the country knows that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
The president of the country knows that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
3Sports
Being the captain of the team comes with a lot of pressure, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Being the captain of the team comes with a lot of pressure, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Similar phrases to “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”:

Heavy is the head that wears the crown

Similar to *Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown*, it means that those in positions of power or authority have great responsibilities and burdens.

Example

As the mayor of the city, heavy is the head that wears the crown.

With great power comes great responsibility

This phrase expresses the idea that those who have power or authority also have a duty to use it wisely and for the benefit of others.

Example

As the leader of the organization, with great power comes great responsibility.

The higher you climb, the harder you fall

This phrase suggests that the more successful or powerful someone becomes, the greater the consequences if they fail or make a mistake.

Example

As the star athlete, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play, 'Henry IV, Part 2.' In Act III, Scene 1, King Henry IV says, 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,' referring to the burdens and responsibilities that come with being a ruler.

Is “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” common in everyday conversation?

While not as commonly used as some other proverbs, "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" is still recognizable and understood by many English speakers. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to convey the challenges and responsibilities of leadership.

What tone does “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” have?

"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" conveys a tone of empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the difficulties faced by those in positions of power and authority.

Can “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or spoken English in formal settings such as literature, speeches, or discussions about leadership. However, it can still be used in informal conversations to convey the idea of the burdens of responsibility.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'As the CEO of a large company, "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown"' to imply the challenges of leadership.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

heavy is the head that wears the crown
with great power comes great responsibility
the higher you climb, the harder you fall
power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely
to whom much is given, much is expected

Antonyms

easy lies the head that wears no crown
no responsibility, no worries
no power, no problems
the lower you go, the easier it gets
to whom little is given, little is expected