put on a pedestal

put someone on a pedestal

to believe that someone is perfect. The way her father put her on a pedestal just made her want to behave badly.

See also: pedestal

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put someone/something on a pedestal

to behave as if one person is more important than others. They put the local doctor on a pedestal, seldom questioning his word or his authority. Professional athletes are often put on a pedestal, and they forget that the fans pay their salaries.

Usage notes: the opposite meaning is expressed by take or knock someone off their pedestal: You know something will happen that will knock her off her pedestal.

See also: pedestal