Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/detained-at-his-majesty-s-pleasure/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [D](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/d/) / detained at his majesty's pleasure

# detained at his majesty's pleasure

verb phrase (be detained at His/Her Majesty's pleasure; also held at the King's pleasure)

«detained at his majesty's pleasure» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, formal, UK legal) in prison, especially for an unfixed length of time; now often used jokingly for «in prison».

### In the lessons

Old British legal phrase, used for young people or serious cases kept in prison with no fixed release; in chat it is a humorous way to say someone is in jail. UK, Commonwealth.

### Examples

- He's currently detained at His Majesty's pleasure.
- Gossip: «Where's Kev?» «Detained at His Majesty's pleasure.»
- The boy was detained at Her Majesty's pleasure for the crime.
- The judge ordered him detained during His Majesty's pleasure.
- The gangster spent ten years at His Majesty's pleasure.
- In the old story, the thief was held at the King's pleasure.

### Note

It means «in prison». The King does not actually enjoy it; «pleasure» means «as long as the Crown decides». «Her Majesty's» when there is a Queen.