kiss someone’s ring: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "kiss someone's ring" has its origins in medieval Europe and is rooted in the traditions of feudalism and the Catholic Church. In medieval times, kings and nobles would often wear rings that symbolized their authority. To kiss someone's ring meant to acknowledge their power and submit oneself to their authority.

The practice of kissing someone's ring extended beyond the royal court and was also adopted by the Catholic Church. Bishops, cardinals, and even the Pope would often wear rings that represented their ecclesiastical authority. Kissing the ring of a bishop or the Pope was considered a sign of respect, obedience, and fidelity to the Church.

Over time, the idiom "kiss someone's ring" became more figurative and less literal. It started to be used in a broader sense to refer to showing deference or subservience to someone of higher social or professional status. The act of kissing someone's ring came to represent a willingness to obey, follow, or please someone in a position of power.

Today, the idiom "kiss someone's ring" is often used in a metaphorical way, especially in political or corporate contexts. It can imply that someone is trying to gain favor or approval from a superior by displaying excessive flattery or subservience. It can also be used to criticize individuals who are perceived as being overly deferential or blindly obedient to those in positions of power.

The idiom "kiss up to" is closely related to "kiss someone's ring." It is used to describe the act of trying to gain favor or approval from someone in a position of power or authority through flattery or excessive subservience. An individual who "kisses up to" someone is often perceived as being insincere or manipulative in their efforts to gain favor.

Similarly, the idiom "kiss someone's ass" is also related to "kiss someone's ring." It is used to describe the act of being overly deferential or subservient to someone in a position of power, often to the point of sacrificing one's own dignity or integrity. Someone who is "kissing someone's ass" is often viewed as lacking self-respect or being willing to do anything to gain favor with those in authority.

Another related idiom is "know someone." While not directly related to "kiss someone's ring," it is often used in conjunction with the idiom to suggest that someone is trying to gain favor with someone in a position of power or authority by having a personal connection or relationship with them. Knowing someone who holds power can be advantageous in gaining opportunities or advantages that would not be available to others.

The idiom "kiss someone's ring" has its origins in medieval European traditions of showing respect and obedience to those in power. While the literal act of kissing a ring has become less common, the idiom continues to be used metaphorically to convey the idea of subservience and deference towards someone of higher authority.

It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics of power and the age-old desire to gain favor and recognition from those in positions of influence.