Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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proverb
Let someone else incur the cost of achieving the shared benefit.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: US, dated
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Sometimes explained as derived from French laissez faire à Georges, a satirical reference to the multiform activities of Cardinal Georges d'Amboise (1460–1510), but this is unlikely. Alternatively explained as a reference to Pullman porters, who were generically known as George.
