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Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "Adam's curse." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 7 May 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOA00034>.
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Adam's curse

Pronunciation pronunciation key
adămz

Definition 
Ironic colloquialism for work. After Adam committed the sin of eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, against God's command, he and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Ever since, as part of their punishment, they and their descendants have known the toil and onerousness of work: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19). Related terms include the penalty of Adam, which refers to the labors implicit in living a life governed by nature and the turn of the seasons in comparison with the easier life enjoyed by people in urban surroundings. Too many people's lives today are ruled by Adam's curse than by their life outside work.

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