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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of bed of roses

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

"Life isn't always a bed of roses," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

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

Near our cottage, where the small creek winds under the old wooden bridge, is the most beautiful bed of roses.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys