bed of roses

From Christopher Marlowe's poem The Passionate Shepherd to His Love (1599).

• IPA^(key): /bɛd ʌv ˈɹəʊzəz/

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bed of roses (plural beds of roses)

1. (idiomatic) A pleasant or easy situation; an untroubled existence.

   Synonyms: beer and skittles, bowl of cherries; see also Thesaurus:pleasure

   It's a straightforward job, but it's no bed of roses, with such long hours.

   • 1929 December, Betty Boone, “The Price of this Stardom”, in Screenland, page 23:

     Just speak to the stars about the bed of roses which is popularly supposed to be their resting place in the rarified atmosphere of the stellar regions!

   • 1977, Freddie Mercury (lyrics and music), “We Are the Champions”, in News of the World, performed by Queen:

     I thank you all / But it's been no bed of roses / No pleasure cruise