more honored in the breach

phrase

Justifiably violated; endowing greater moral standing to those who disobey. (of a rule, custom, etc.)

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Meanings

phrase
  1. Justifiably violated; endowing greater moral standing to those who disobey. (of a rule, custom, etc.)
  2. Frequently or usually broken in practice, with obedience being the exception. (of a rule, custom, etc.)

Origin

Coined by William Shakespeare in 1602 in "Hamlet," act 1, scene 4: : But to my mind, though I am native here : And to the manner born, it is a custom : More honored in the breach than the observance.

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Cite this entry
APA

more honored in the breach. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/more%20honored%20in%20the%20breach

MLA

“more honored in the breach.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/more%20honored%20in%20the%20breach. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “more honored in the breach,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/more%20honored%20in%20the%20breach.

Source: more honored in the breach on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.