1 year, 6 months ago
"My Waterloo". What does that phrase mean?
I had someone refer to some unco-operative people or experiences working these people as "My Waterloo". What does that phrase mean?
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M$1 Answer
Waterloo was a battle that Napoleon had to participate in, but everyone knew that he would lose it. If he were to have walked away, it would have been worse for his ego, persona, and his id.
Note the famous song by ABBA called, "Waterloo." It contains the couplet, "Waterloo, couln't escape if I wanted to. Waterloo, knowing my fate was to be with you."
Essentially, your Waterloo would be some event that you have no choice but to participate in, even though it will be the death of your career, your persona, or your id. It is an event that no matter how hard you try to avoid it, it is your destiny - and you are destined for defeat.
Note the famous song by ABBA called, "Waterloo." It contains the couplet, "Waterloo, couln't escape if I wanted to. Waterloo, knowing my fate was to be with you."
Essentially, your Waterloo would be some event that you have no choice but to participate in, even though it will be the death of your career, your persona, or your id. It is an event that no matter how hard you try to avoid it, it is your destiny - and you are destined for defeat.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Well, in this case, the paragraph stated sums it up from my perspective perfectly. I think it's close enough. However, I will consider waiting a day or two get a 'better' answer. Thank you all for your sources and input.
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Essentially, your Waterloo would be some event that you have no choice but to participate in, even though it will be the death of your career, your persona, or your id. It is an event that no matter how hard you try to avoid it, it is your destiny - and you are destined for defeat.
Philipy, I tipped you for the comment. I did not know that I was wrong in my answer. I will file this under, "You learn something new everyday."
This answer is absolutely, plainly wrong. It also shows that an asker should never choose best answer until a day or two has passed so that others can vet or refute it.
This answer is apparently based on a pop song instead of history or usage, which is a ridiculous approach.
@Philipy is quite right that no one knew he would lose, let alone Napoleon himself, and it was a near thing. What it refers to is a crushing, final defeat.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Waterloo
> but everyone knew that he would lose
Where did you get that idea? As far as I know the battle was a close run thing, and could well have gone the other way if the tactics or timing of events had been a little different.
-- Quote
Wellington described his victory as a 'damned near-run thing'. The battle was closely fought and either side could have won, but mistakes in communication, leadership and judgement led, ultimately, to French defeat.
-- /Quote
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/battle_waterloo_01.shtml
> your Waterloo would be some event that you have no choice but to participate in
So this is not the case.
"My Waterloo" is just "the cause of my downfall", or "the end of the road for me" or some such.