hair shirt

• Grobes, unbequemes Kleidungsstück aus Tierhaar, das traditionell von Mönchen oder Büßern als Form der Selbstdisziplin oder Buße getragen wird; im übertragenen Sinn etwas, das Unbehagen oder Entbehrung verursacht, oft freiwillig.

A coarse, uncomfortable garment made of animal hair, traditionally worn by monks or penitents as a form of self-discipline or punishment; figuratively, it refers to something that causes discomfort or hardship, often self-imposed.

1. Garment of PenanceC2formal

   A coarse shirt made of animal hair, worn as a form of self-punishment or religious penance.

   Büßergewand aus Tierhaar

   • The monk wore a hair shirt as a sign of his devotion.
   • In medieval times, some ascetics used a hair shirt to mortify the flesh.
   • He described his strict diet as a modern-day hair shirt.

2. Symbol of Self-DenialC2formal

   Used figuratively to describe a situation or attitude of deliberate discomfort, self-sacrifice, or austerity.

   Symbol der Selbstverleugnung

   • His refusal to accept any help was like wearing a hair shirt.
   • The company's cost-cutting measures felt like a hair shirt to the employees.
   • She adopted a hair-shirt lifestyle, giving up all luxuries.