vicar of Bray

vicar of Bray
   a cowardly or opportunistic trimmer
   A cleric held this living in the 16th century during the reign of four English monarchs, two of whom were Roman Catholic and three Protestant, Henry VIII being both. Other incumbents were replaced as the state religion altered, as can be seen from the records of incumbents displayed in many English parish churches. When he was accused of being of a changeable turn, he replied:
    No, I am steadfast, however other folk change I remain Vicar of Bray, (reported by Alleyn, Bishop of Exeter)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • vicar of bray — (UK) A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • vicar of bray — ˈbrā Usage: usually capitalized B Etymology: after the Vicar of Bray, semilegendary 16th century English vicar of the village of Bray, Berkshire county, England, who gave allegiance to Protestantism or Roman Catholicism according to the religion… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Vicar of Bray — a vicar (= a Church of England priest) in a traditional English song. He changes his religious and political beliefs according to the beliefs of the ruling king or queen, and is concerned only with keeping his job. The name ‘Vicar of Bray’ is… …   Universalium

  • vicar of Bray — (UK)    A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Vicar of Bray —   (UK)   A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • Vicar of Bray (scientific hypothesis) — The Vicar of Bray is the name given to a hypothesis attempting to explain why sexual reproduction might be favoured over asexual reproduction, in which sexual populations are able to outcompete asexual populations because they evolve more rapidly …   Wikipedia

  • VICAR OF BRAY —    See BRAY …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • Vicar of Bray — character who appears in a traditional English folk song bearing same title (who lived in the reigns of Henry VIII., Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth) who in the the first two reigns was Protestant then turned Papist in Mary s reign …   English contemporary dictionary

  • The Vicar of Bray — This article is about the character or character type. : For the article about the 18th century folk song of the same name, see: The Vicar of Bray (song) .: For the article about the 19th century comic opera of the same name, see: The Vicar of… …   Wikipedia

  • The Vicar of Bray (opera) — The Vicar of Bray is a comic opera by Edward Solomon with a libretto by Sydney Grundy which opened at the Globe Theatre, in London, on July 22 1882, for a run of only 69 performances. The public was not amused at a clergyman s being made the… …   Wikipedia

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