Iron Duke
- proper noun
- Literature
:
Duque de Hierro
- The house where the Iron Duke lived has become a historical site.
Examples
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Many admire the determination and leadership shown by the Iron Duke during his career.
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The Iron Duke led his troops to victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
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The Iron Duke was instrumental in the defeat of Napoleon.
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Did you know that the Iron Duke served as Prime Minister?
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Arthur Wellesley, known as the Iron Duke, led British troops to victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
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The Iron Duke remains a symbol of military mastery and strategic brilliance in British history.
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During his time as Prime Minister, the Iron Duke focused on strengthening the British military.
Synonyms
18
7.2
A British general and government leader who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo and became Prime Minister
1
6.3
A British general and political leader who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo and later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
A British general and politician who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo and later served as Prime Minister
A British general who beat Napoleon at Waterloo and later became Prime Minister
Surface Forms
Morphology
The combination 'iron' (very strong/stern) + 'duke' (a noble title) readily yields the idea of a descriptive nickname meaning a particularly strong or stern duke, so learners who know the words can infer a general epithet. However, the specific historical referent (Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington) and its conventionalized usage are culturally specific and not predictable from the words alone, making the expression only partially transparent.
Etymology
Iron Duke was a nickname given to Arthur Wellesley, the British general who beat Napoleon at Waterloo. People called him iron because he was very strict and steady, like metal that does not bend, and duke shows he was a leader, so the name means 'a very firm and strong leader'.