children of hercules: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, figurative, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “children of hercules” mean?
A set phrase referring to a numbered collection of tasks, adventures, or challenges, often used metaphorically.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set phrase referring to a numbered collection of tasks, adventures, or challenges, often used metaphorically.
Any arduous, multiple-part undertaking that echoes the famous Twelve Labors of Hercules in Greek mythology. It implies tasks requiring heroic effort, stamina, and strength to complete.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight spelling preference: British often uses "Heracles" in academic contexts, while the phrase "children of Hercules" is standard in both. Figurative usage is equally understood.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same classical, metaphorical weight. No regional connotation difference.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, found in similar literary or rhetorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “children of hercules” in a Sentence
to face the [children of Hercules] of [a difficult project]to complete/tackle the [children of Hercules]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used formally, but possible in rhetorical speech: 'Revamping the entire IT system will be our children of Hercules for this quarter.'
Academic
Used in classical studies or literary analysis to refer to the myth. Figuratively in humanities papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously for a long list of chores: 'Clearing out the garage is one of the children of Hercules I'm avoiding.'
Technical
Not used in STEM fields unless in a metaphorical, popular science context.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “children of hercules”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “children of hercules”
- Using the singular 'child of Hercules'. *Incorrect.* The phrase is fixed and plural.
- Confusing it with 'Herculean effort', which is singular.
- Using it without the definite article 'the' when specific: 'We face the children of Hercules.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, literary phrase. 'Herculean task' is far more common.
Yes, 'labours of Hercules' is the direct, more common referent. 'Children of Hercules' is a figurative variation on it.
It's a metaphor: the tasks are the 'offspring' or 'products' of the need for a heroic effort, not a reference to his actual family.
Traditionally, it alludes to the Twelve Labours, so the number is often implied to be twelve, but it can be used for any sizable, challenging set.
A set phrase referring to a numbered collection of tasks, adventures, or challenges, often used metaphorically.
Children of hercules is usually literary, figurative, journalistic in register.
Children of hercules: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈhɜː.kjʊ.liːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈhɝː.kjə.liːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Herculean task/effort”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Hercules with a huge, noisy group of children, each representing one of his famous, difficult Labors. Remember: his 'children' are the tasks he had to complete.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULT TASKS ARE OFFSPRING/PROGENY (of a heroic effort).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'children of Hercules'?