sacred cow

idiom

The phrase "sacred cow" originates from the reverence of cows in Hindu culture and is used metaphorically in English to describe something immune to criticism.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)An idea, institution, or person that is considered too important or sensitive to be criticized or questioned.

Example

In the company, the old software system is a sacred cow that no one dares to suggest replacing.
The tradition has become a sacred cow, even though it no longer serves any practical purpose.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sacred cow":

milch cow cash cow cow bite have a cow dairy cow