What is rue the day?

Rue the Day

"Rue the day" is an idiom that expresses deep regret, sorrow, or remorse for something that has happened. It implies a wish that a particular event had never occurred and often carries a sense of foreboding or lament.

  • Meaning: To deeply regret or lament a specific day or event. It suggests a strong feeling of sorrow and wishing something had not happened.

  • Usage: It's typically used when the consequences of an action or event are severe and long-lasting, causing significant distress to the speaker or someone they are talking about.

  • Connotation: The phrase has a strong negative connotation, suggesting a sense of doom or misfortune connected to the event being regretted. It's often used in dramatic or emphatic statements.

  • Origin: While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, the phrase has been used in literature and common speech for centuries. The concept of regretting a particular day or event is a timeless theme found across various cultures and languages. The word "rue" itself means to feel sorrow or regret.

  • Synonyms: Regret, lament, deplore, be sorry for. While these words express similar sentiment, "rue the day" carries a more dramatic and weighty tone.