raise to the purple
The phrase "raise to the purple" originates from historical contexts where purple clothing was associated with royalty and high-ranking officials.
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Definition
C1Historical
(formal)To elevate someone to a very high rank, often to the position of a monarch or high-ranking official.
Example
- He was raised to the purple and became the new emperor.
- The ceremony will raise her to the purple, marking her as the new queen.
C1Religious
(formal)To elevate someone to a high-ranking position within a religious hierarchy, such as becoming a cardinal.
Example
- The bishop was raised to the purple and appointed as a cardinal.
- His dedication to the church led him to be raised to the purple.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "raise to the purple":