Under the auspices of

Under the auspices of is an idiom that dates back into antiquity. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal meaning. We will examine the definition of the phrase under the auspices of, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.

Under the auspices of means with the help or protection of someone or something, falling under the patronage of someone or something. The phrase under the auspices of dates back to Ancient Roman times. During the time of the Roman Empire certain people were employed as interpreters of omens symbolized through the behavior of certain birds. These soothsayers were known as auspexes. The word auspex means one who observes birds. Certain birds were considered reliable omens, such as owls, eagles, ravens, vultures and even chickens. When one employed an auspex, proceeding with a certain action found favorable by the birds was known as preceding under the auspices of positive omens.

Examples

“I think that the international community can doubt it as long as there isn’t an international inquiry under the auspices of the United Nations,” Florian Philippot, deputy leader of Le Pen’s National Front party, told France Inter radio. (U.S. News & World Report)

“Young Frankenstein” will be performed by NEXTstage Repertory, Centenary University Theater Department’s student based Performance Company under the auspices of the Centenary Stage Company. (The New Jersey Herald)

Speaking at the Fight Against Laundering of Crime Revenues and Financing of Terrorism workshop held in Istanbul, Finance Minister Naci Ağbal announced that they are conducting projects on market depth under the auspices of work on the Istanbul Finance Center that could remove some taxes that hinder Turkey’s competitive presence among other financial centers, adding that the Ministry of Finance is also working on regulations to bring new instruments to global financial markets. (The Daily Sabah)