📜 Set on a Pedestal, To 📜
Definition: To idealize; to glorify. This term alludes to the custom of worshiping the figures of saints and other notable individuals, which are literally placed on pedestals. It was used more generally from the mid-nineteenth century on. James Joyce had it in Ulysses (1922), “They discovered… that their idol had feet of clay, after putting him upon a pedestal.” See also feet of clay.
Synonyms:
- Idolize: Worshipping someone or something as an idol, much like a fan might do with their favorite celebrity.
- Adulate: Flattery taken to extreme levels, even beyond what’s sensible.
- Lionize: Treating someone as though they’re a roaring success and worthy of constant admiration.
Antonyms:
- Criticize: To point out the faults in someone or something, kind of like being the Simon Cowell in someone’s life.
- Underestimate: To perceive someone’s abilities to be lesser than they truly are.
- Vilify: Speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner. “Talk about dragging their name through the mud!”
Related Terms and Expressions:
- Feet of clay: A fundamental flaw or weakness in someone who is otherwise distinguished.
- On a high horse: Acting superior, often judgmentally.
- Golden boy/girl: Someone who is admired for their achievements, sometimes with misplaced adoration.
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “No man is a hero to his valet.”: Recognizing that everyone has flaws that become apparent from close quarters.
- “Be careful who you put on a pedestal because they can fall off and land right on you.”: A humorous reminder to temper our exaltations with a bit of caution.
- “We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow.” - Fulton Oursler: Idealizing leads to disillusionment, inviting regrets and fears.
Recommended Reads:
- Ulysses by James Joyce: A stream of consciousness novel that ironically highlights human imperfections.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Contrast of idealism versus harsh reality.
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The fallacy of glorifying the superficial.
Recommended Films:
- “Dead Poets Society”: The perils of idealizing versus thinking for oneself.
- “Amadeus”: A portrayal of iconic genius and tragic human flaws.
Joke Time:
Why did the celebrity’s statue fall off its pedestal? Because their ego made it top-heavy! 😂
Quizzes:
### What's the true meaning of "set on a pedestal"?
- [x] To idealize or glorify someone
- [ ] To provide a physical elevation, like a stage
- [ ] To criticize harshly
- [ ] To hide imperfections
> **Explanation:** "Set on a pedestal" means to idealize or glorify someone, the metaphorical elevation reflects admiration.
### Which term is a synonym for 'set on a pedestal'?
- [x] Idolize
- [ ] Disregard
- [ ] Criticize
- [ ] Commercialize
> **Explanation:** "Idolize" means to worship or fervently admire someone or something, akin to setting them on a pedestal.
### What is NOT an antonym of "Set on a pedestal"?
- [ ] Criticize
- [ ] Vilify
- [ ] Underestimate
- [x] Adore
> **Explanation:** "Adore" is not an antonym, as it means to love deeply or idolize, which aligns with setting on a pedestal.
### True or False: "Feet of clay" refers to someone being infallible.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Feet of clay" means a hidden weakness or flaw in a person who is otherwise regarded highly.
🙏 May your pedestals support genuine reckonings and humane truths rather than frail idolatries. 🍃
