Roman holiday

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.

Roman holiday

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roman holiday¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roman holiday¹

C19: from Byron's poem Childe Harold (IV, 141)

Example Sentences

While stationed in Europe, he also helped gather footage for William Wyler, who would go on to direct films such as Ben Hur, Roman Holiday, and Wuthering Heights.

From BBC

Having that flexibility makes the process of creating more innovative options possible.Collins says that the "fan favorite" cocktail right now is the Roman Holiday non-alcoholic option, which is comprised of pomegranate cordial, lemon juice, club soda and non-alcoholic Sparkling Rose by Leitz Eins Zwei Zero, which is from Germany.

From Salon

Separately, Christie's is carrying out an online sale of a pearl necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in the final scene of the film "Roman Holiday".

From BBC

In a separate online auction running Nov. 3-16, Christie's will be offering a pearl necklace worn by film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in the final scene of the movie "Roman Holiday" from 1953.

From Reuters

Along with many classics of Italian neorealism and the spaghetti western genre, sword-and-sandal flicks like “Ben Hur,” “Quo Vadis” and “Cleopatra” were made there, as well as “Roman Holiday” and “The Pink Panther.”

From New York Times