idiom
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
JUS-tis deh-LAYD iz JUS-tis deh-NYED
/ˈdʒʌstɪs dɪˈleɪd ɪz ˈdʒʌstɪs dɪˈnaɪd/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
justicedelayedisjusticedenied
Dictionary meaning
When the legal system takes too long to resolve a case, the person wronged is effectively denied justice even if they eventually win
History and origin
Attributed to William Ewart Gladstone (British Prime Minister); also associated with the Magna Carta's principle that justice shall not be sold, denied, or delayed
Examples
- With the trial now entering its seventh year, human rights organisations declared that justice delayed is justice denied.
Pronunciation tips
Eight syllables in the first half, nine in the second; flows as a parallel couplet
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction