born to the purple
The phrase "born to the purple" originates from the Byzantine Empire, where the color purple symbolized royalty and was reserved for emperors and empresses.
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Definition
C1General
(formal, historical)Born into a royal or noble family, often implying inherent privileges.
Example
- As someone born to the purple, she had access to opportunities others could only dream of.
- He was born to the purple and grew up in the lap of luxury.
C1General
(formal)Having a high-ranking or privileged birth, typically associated with wealth and power.
Example
- Despite being born to the purple, he chose to lead a modest life.
- Her decisions were often influenced by her status of being born to the purple.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "born to the purple":
raise to the purplerise to the purpleroyal purpleregal purple