bed of roses

American  

noun

1. a situation of luxurious ease; a highly agreeable position.

   Caring for a houseful of active kids is no bed of roses.

---

bed of roses Idioms  

1. A comfortable or luxurious position, as in Taking care of these older patients is no bed of roses. This metaphor, first recorded in 1635, is often used in a negative context, as in the example. Also see bowl of cherries.

---

Etymology

Origin of bed of roses

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The road to where we are now has not been a bed of roses.

From Scientific American • Sep. 21, 2023

“Chivalry may not have been a bed of roses for those forced to lie in it,” Judge Keenan said about the dress code in her opinion.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2022

Looking back, I realize it wasn't a bed of roses for him.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2021

"It's not all a bed of roses... but because we have a flexible working policy it does give us the guidance, so we can be more flexible."

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2021

As though for his brother and sisters life had been a bed of roses!

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote