little emperor

An only child in a modern Chinese family who is seen as spoiled, overly protected, or the center of excessive amounts of attention. The phenomenon (and resulting term) is seen to have arisen in large part due to China's one-child policy. It's quite plain in their house that the parents yield to the whim of their little emperor.

the emperor has no clothes

Used to describe a situation in which the general population is unwilling to recognize or admit the obvious shortcomings, issues, or flaws in a powerful or popular person or thing. Taken from the Hans Christian Andersen fable "The Emperor's New Clothes," in which a vain emperor is sold imaginary clothing (i.e., nothing at all) by two weavers who promise him that it is visible only to the wise and cannot be seen by those who are ignorant, incompetent, or unfit for their position. Fine, I'll say it—yesterday's disastrous press conference is just the latest example of how incompetent the prime minister is. How does he still have so many supporters? Why can't they see that the emperor has no clothes? The company's newest device is, in fact, a complete waste of money, but so many people are invested in their brand loyalty that they refuse to admit that the emperor has no clothes.

the emperor's new clothes

Something widely accepted as true or professed as being praiseworthy due to an unwillingness of the general population to criticize it or be seen as going against popular opinion. Taken from the Hans Christian Andersen fable of the same name, in which a vain king is sold imaginary clothing (i.e., nothing at all) by two weavers who promise him that it is visible only to the wise and cannot be seen by those who are ignorant, incompetent, or unfit for their position. The company's newest device is, in fact, a complete waste of money, but so many people are invested in their brand loyalty that they will continue to buy and adore it like the emperor's new clothes.

the ˌemperor’s new ˈclothes

the ˌemperor has no ˈclothes

used to describe a situation in which everybody suddenly realises that they were mistaken in believing that somebody/something was very good, important, etc: Soon, investors will realize that the emperor has no clothes and there will be a big sell-off in stocks.This comes from a story by Hans Christian Andersen. Two men offer to make an emperor a new suit from a very light material which they say stupid people cannot see. When the emperor puts on the suit, nobody wants to appear stupid so they all praise his new clothes. However, when a little boy asks why the emperor has no clothes on, everybody admits that they can see no clothes and that the emperor is naked.

See also: clothes, new

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in classic literature

'Yes, it is quite beautiful,' he said to the Emperor.

Now the Emperor wanted to see it himself while it was still on the loom.

His whole Court round him looked and looked, and saw no more than the others; but they said like the Emperor, 'Oh!

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"Does not the stuff appear as beautiful to you, as it did to my lord the minister?" asked the impostors of the Emperor's second ambassador; at the same time making the same gestures as before, and talking of the design and colors which were not there.

The whole city was talking of the splendid cloth which the Emperor had ordered to be woven at his own expense.

And now the Emperor himself wished to see the costly manufacture, while it was still in the loom.

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"Fine fellows, the Pavlograds!" remarked the Emperor.

But the talk in every group was chiefly about the Emperor Alexander.

They all had but one wish: to advance as soon as possible against the enemy under the Emperor's command.

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As a general thing, we have been shown through palaces by some plush- legged filagreed flunkey or other, who charged a franc for it; but after talking with the company half an hour, the Emperor of Russia and his family conducted us all through their mansion themselves.

The young man was absent, but the Dukes and Countesses and Princes went over the premises with us as leisurely as was the case at the Emperor's, and conversation continued as lively as ever.

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But show us in -- I'm sure the Emperor will receive us, even in his present state"

"The Emperor's state is always magnificent," said the man.

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But it was carried against him by the whole board, and confirmed by the emperor. That minister was GALBET, or admiral of the realm, very much in his master's confidence, and a person well versed in affairs, but of a morose and sour complexion.

"Golbasto Momarem Evlame Gurdilo Shefin Mully Ully Gue, most mighty Emperor of Lilliput, delight and terror of the universe, whose dominions extend five thousand BLUSTRUGS (about twelve miles in circumference) to the extremities of the globe; monarch of all monarchs, taller than the sons of men; whose feet press down to the centre, and whose head strikes against the sun; at whose nod the princes of the earth shake their knees; pleasant as the spring, comfortable as the summer, fruitful as autumn, dreadful as winter: his most sublime majesty proposes to the man-mountain, lately arrived at our celestial dominions, the following articles, which, by a solemn oath, he shall be obliged to perform:--

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