elders and betters

elders and betters

The people who are older than one and thus deserve respect. Because I'm supposed to respect my elders and betters, Mom was pretty mad when she heard that I'd sassed Grandma. She might be elderly, but I'm reluctant to count her among my elders and betters, given the disastrous state of her life. You should really listen to your elders and betters, sonny. We know what we're talking about!

See also: and, better, elder

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

your ˌelders and ˈbetters

people who are older and wiser than you and whom you should respect: You may not want to go, but your elders and betters think you should.

See also: and, better, elder

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017