Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

take the queen's shilling

idiom

teɪk ðə kwiːnz ˈʃɪlɪŋ

Definition

To join the military, especially when it’s perceived as a form of conscription or coercion.

Examples

During the war, many young men felt they had no choice but to take the queen’s shilling.
In his speech, he mentioned how taking the queen’s shilling changed his life forever.
Some argued that taking the queen’s shilling was a noble act, while others saw it as a last resort.

Meaning

This phrase historically referred to the act of accepting a payment from the Crown, specifically the monarchy, as an indication of enlistment in the armed forces. It often carries a connotation of being obligated to serve due to financial necessity rather than personal choice.