Meaning of modest proposal | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An idea which is especially extreme, unorthodox or distasteful, often put forward in jest.
   idiomatic
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see modest, proposal.

Examples

“And for all the chuntering about the "Granny Tax" it is not as though Osborne made a radical or, if you prefer, modest proposal along the lines of offering tax credits or generous allowances to the heirs of pensioners who plump for voluntary, patriotic euthanasia...”

“I therefore have a modest proposal aimed at rectifying this situation: let's declare war!”

“"I have a modest proposal," Alabaster said. "We need two new examples to demonstrate how awesome nuclear war is, so it will sober up politicians, military men and statesmen, not only here but in the Soviet Union."”

CEFR level