bread and circuses
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They’re capitalist endeavors, not charity cases, whose stated mission is to provide bread and circuses to the masses while making as much profit as possible in the process.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2025
We demand, if not bread and circuses, then true American camp—a racoon-and-toy-pony show, a hunt for treasure, and White House officials dragged up to entertain our children.
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2023
It’s almost like saying, you can do anything you want as long as you give bread and circuses to the people.
From Slate • Dec. 14, 2018
“Nobody Speak” is a chilling, essential primer in how we got here and where we’re going if bread and circuses continue to win the news cycle.
From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2017
Those who to-day bear the brunt of our evils dare not throw themselves upon the mercy of their masters, not though there are bread and circuses as a reward.
From A Preface to Politics by Lippmann, Walter
