Roman holiday

American  

noun

1. a public spectacle or controversy marked by barbarism, vindictiveness, or scandal.

2. pleasure or advantage gained from the discomfort or suffering of others.

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Roman holiday British  

noun

1. entertainment or pleasure that depends on the suffering of others

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Etymology

Origin of Roman holiday

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

In the past, Italy away was something of a Roman holiday for England in the Six Nations.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The proportion of crisp-soft rice to stretchy cheese is ideal, and, like the puntarelle, a Roman holiday.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2023

Kim Kardashian is making a number of sartorial statements during her Roman holiday.

From Fox News • Jul. 1, 2021

“It’s hot and it’s less productive to work in this time of year,” said William Broussen, a 24-year-old Parisian contractor who is suffering through a heat wave called Lucifer on his Roman holiday.

From New York Times • Aug. 9, 2017

It was a very different sort of crowd that overflowed the courtroom that morning from that which had so boldly flocked to the trial as if it were to make a Roman holiday of justice.

From The Ear in the Wall by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)