The Bed of Procrustes

"The Bed of Procrustes" is a term from Greek mythology used metaphorically to describe the act of forcing something to fit into a predefined standard or expectation, often through unnatural or uncomfortable means. In a broader sense, it highlights how attempts to make diverse or complex things conform to uniform standards can distort or harm their true nature. The phrase is commonly used in literature and philosophy to critique rigid systems or efforts that ignore the unique qualities of individuals or situations, emphasizing that forcing conformity can be both limiting and damaging.