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to suffer fools (gladly)
01
to treat stupid or annoying people with kindness and patience
Formal
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "suffer fools" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "suffer fools" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically to the New Testament. This phrase is used in various contexts to describe someone's attitude towards dealing with foolish or ignorant individuals. It is often used when discussing people who have a limited tolerance for incompetence or lack of intelligence. This idiom is frequently used in professional settings, such as workplaces or academic environments,
Example
The CEO was known for being direct and expecting high levels of competence from his team, unwilling to suffer fools in the workplace.
As a professor, she had little tolerance for incompetence and would not suffer fools in her classroom.
During the intense debate, the politician struggled to hide his annoyance and made it clear that he had no intention to suffer fools.
He is known for his sharp intellect and quick wit, but he often struggles to suffer fools gladly in social situations.
The renowned chef demanded excellence in his kitchen and would not suffer fools who couldn't keep up with the fast-paced environment.
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