simon says
C2Informal
Definition
Meaning
A children's game where players must obey a leader's commands only when prefaced with the phrase 'Simon says'.
Used metaphorically to describe situations where unquestioning obedience to authority is required, often highlighting arbitrary rules or power dynamics.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as a proper noun phrase referring to the game itself. Metaphorical use is common in political and workplace commentary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is identical in both cultures. Metaphorical usage is equally common.
Connotations
Childhood nostalgia in literal use; critical or ironic in metaphorical use.
Frequency
High frequency as cultural reference; medium frequency in metaphorical/social commentary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Let's play [Simon says].It feels like [Simon says] in this office.The children followed the [Simon says] instructions.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play Simon says”
- “it's all Simon says”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Critically describes top-down management styles where employees cannot act without explicit permission.
Academic
Used in psychology/sociology to discuss conformity, authority, and social learning.
Everyday
Refers to the children's game or light-heartedly to needing explicit instructions.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The manager has a bit of a Simon-says approach to delegation.
- It was a very Simon-says style of leadership.
American English
- The training felt like a Simon-says exercise in compliance.
- We need to move beyond Simon-says checklists.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children love to play Simon says.
- Simon says touch your nose!
- You can't just do what you want; remember it's Simon says.
- The new rules feel like a game of Simon says.
- The corporate culture was criticized for its Simon-says mentality, stifling innovation.
- Politicians often play a complex game of Simon says with their party whips.
- The regulatory framework operates on a Simon-says principle, leaving no room for professional discretion.
- His analysis exposed the Simon-says nature of the authoritarian regime's policy announcements.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SIMON SAYS = Simple Instructions Must Obey Now - Says Authority's Empty Statement.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A CHILD'S GAME / BLIND OBEDIENCE IS A RULE-BASED GAME.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation (Саймон говорит) is understood but the cultural reference may be weaker. The Russian equivalent game is more commonly known as 'Съедобное-несъедобное' or 'Маша говорит'.
- Metaphorical use may not directly translate; might require explanation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Simon said' for the game name (incorrect).
- Capitalizing incorrectly (should be 'Simon says', not 'Simon Says' in standard writing).
- Using as a verb (*'He simon-saysed us to jump' - non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'Simon says' is LEAST likely to describe which of the following?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the name of the game, 'Simon' is typically capitalized as it functions as a proper noun. In metaphorical adjectival use (e.g., 'a Simon-says attitude'), hyphenation and capitalization styles vary.
Not in standard English. While creative, non-standard usage like 'He's just simon-saying the boss's orders' might be understood in context, it is not formally accepted.
The game dates back centuries, with references in children's lore across Europe. The name 'Simon' is believed to be derived from the historical figure Simon de Montfort or simply a common name used in English nursery rhymes and games.
'Simon says' has the specific verbal rule ('Simon says' prefix). 'Follow the Leader' typically involves mimicking physical actions without that verbal cue, making it a different game of imitation.