Augean stable

Noun

Augean stables pl (normally plural, singular Augean stable)

1. (Greek, idiomatic, plural, plural-normally) The stables where King Augeas kept his vast herd.
   • We started with the idea of washing ourselves at the hotel; but on seeing the basin and water and towel provided, I decided not to waste my time playing with them. As well might Hercules have attempted to tidy up the Augean stables with a squirt.1891, Jerome K. Jerome, Diary of a Pilgrimage
2. (idiomatic, plural, plural-normally) An extremely filthy or untidy place or situation.
   • She ordered him upstairs immediately to clean the Augean stables of his bedroom.

   Synonyms:

   pigpen, pigsty, sty

3. (figuratively, idiomatic, plural, plural-normally) A place or situation characterized by corruption or moral decay.
   • Yea, as yee loue your ovvne life, peace, vvelfare; Rouze vp your ſpirits, avvaken your Chriſtian courage, and ſet your ſelues heartily againſt the traitorly ſinnes of theſe times, vvhich threaten the bane of all theſe. Cleanſe yee theſe Augean ſtables of our drunken Tauernes, of our profane ſtages...1613 April 3 (Gregorian calendar), Jos[eph] Hall, “An Holy Panegyrick. A Sermon Preached at Paules-Crosse, vpon the Anniuersary Solemnity of the Happie Inauguration of Our Drad Soueraigne Lord, King...

   Synonyms:

   den of iniquity, sty