Butterflies in your stomach

[0526] Put someone on a pedestal

🎲 Clingy
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To admire or idealize someone so much that you see them as perfect or flawless, often ignoring their faults.

Origin

  • The phrase draws a literal image: placing a statue on a raised platform (a pedestal) for display and admiration.
  • It implies elevating someone above the status of an ordinary human, viewing them as an object of reverence rather than a real person with imperfections.
  • This metaphorical use dates back to at least the mid-19th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Idealize
  • Idolize
  • Worship
  • Lionize
  • Look up to (can be less extreme)
  • Think the world of someone (can be less extreme)
  • Have someone on a pedestal

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Simp for someone (Modern internet slang: Excessive devotion, often online, sometimes romantic. Originates from 'simpleton', implying foolish devotion.)
  • Think someone shits rainbows/gold (Crude: Implies an unrealistically positive view.)

Milder:

  • Admire greatly
  • Hold in high esteem
  • Revere

Situational Appropriateness

  • Generally informal to semi-formal. Suitable for discussions about relationships, psychology, or social dynamics.
  • Might be too metaphorical for very formal written reports, but the concept is widely understood.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might initially picture the literal act. Ensure the metaphorical sense of idealization is understood.

Examples

  • He has a tendency to put his partners on a pedestal, which sets unrealistic expectations.
  • Try not to put your heroes on a pedestal; remember they are human too.
  • Supporters often put charismatic leaders on a pedestal.

Dialogue

Anna: My new manager is just incredible, absolutely flawless!

Ben: Be careful you don't put her on a pedestal, Anna. Everyone has off days.

Anna: You're probably right. I guess I'm focusing only on the good stuff.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Friendly reminder: Don't put influencers on a pedestal. They curate their lives online. #realitycheck #socialmedia
  • Instagram Caption: Learning to love people for who they are, flaws and all, instead of putting them on a pedestal. #growth #relationships
  • Forum Post: My friend constantly puts her boyfriend on a pedestal. How do I gently suggest this isn't healthy?

Response Patterns

  • Acknowledgment: Yeah, I can see how I might do that.
  • Disagreement/Defense: I don't think I'm putting them on a pedestal, I just genuinely admire their qualities.
  • Agreement/Criticism: Exactly! It's unhealthy for both people.
  • Questioning: Do you really think I see them that way?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After acknowledging:

  • Might lead to introspection or discussion: Why do you think I do that? or What's the harm in it?

After disagreement:

  • Could prompt further examples or debate: But what about when...? or How else would you describe it?

After agreement:

  • May lead to discussing consequences or alternatives: It sets them up for a fall. or How can I appreciate them more realistically?

Conversation Starter

  • No. Usually used within a conversation to describe an attitude or behavior.

Intonation

  • Emphasis typically falls on put and pedestal. PUT someone on a PEDESTAL.
  • The tone can be cautionary, critical, or descriptive.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood. The concept is timeless. Younger generations might use newer slang like simp in similar contexts online.

Regional Variations

  • Common across major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Aus, Can, etc.).
Butterflies in your stomach
🎲 Clingy