roll out the red carpet

roll out the red carpet

to give an important person a special welcome. The red carpet was rolled out for the President's visit.

See also: carpet, red, roll

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roll out the red carpet (for someone)

to give a special welcome to someone important. This city has rolled out the red carpet for women's fashion buyers and the media.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of red carpet (= a thick red covering for a floor or other surface that is put down for important guests to walk on)

See also: carpet, red, roll