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Heath Robinson

British  
/ ˈrɒbɪnsən /

adjective

  1. (of a mechanical device) absurdly complicated in design and having a simple function

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Heath Robinson

C20: named after William Heath Robinson (1872–1944), British cartoonist

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.

Biden held a large White House bill-signing ceremony and gave the pen to the young daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, who died of cancer and for whom the legislation is named.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2023

Danielle Robinson recalled how her husband’s return home from Iraq turned from a relief to “the biggest nightmare of our lives” after Heath Robinson was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 lung cancer 10 years later.

From Washington Post • Aug. 10, 2022

The president was joined at the signing ceremony by the surviving wife and daughter of the bill’s namesake, Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson.

From Washington Times • Aug. 10, 2022

Heath Robinson, born in Finsbury Park in north London on 31 May 1872, became renowned for his detailed drawings and satirical take on life.

From BBC • May 21, 2022

Heath Robinson because he thinks humour is decadent, Horatio Bottomley to advertise "John Bull," and the Archbishop to cause a religious revival.

From Letters from France by Mack, Isaac Alexander

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