put store by: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "set store by" is closely related to "put store by" in its meaning and usage. It also expresses the idea of valuing or placing importance on someone or something. When you set store by something, you consider it to be of great value or significance. It implies that you have a high regard for the subject being referred to and place your trust, faith, or confidence in it. The use of the phrase "set store" suggests the act of consciously establishing the value or importance of something.

For example, you might say, "I set store by honesty," indicating that you highly value honesty and consider it to be an important characteristic in others. Similarly, one could say, "He sets store by punctuality," emphasizing the significance he places on being on time.

The idiom "put store in" is another related phrase that conveys a similar meaning. When you put store in someone or something, you rely on or have confidence in them. It implies that you place your trust or dependence on the subject being referred to. The use of the phrase "put store" indicates the act of entrusting or relying on someone or something.

For instance, you might say, "I put store in my team to deliver excellent results," indicating that you have confidence in your team's ability to perform well. Similarly, one could say, "She puts store in her intuition," highlighting her reliance on her gut instincts in decision-making.

The idiomatic phrase "lay store by" is similar in meaning to "put store by." It also denotes valuing or attaching importance to someone or something. When you lay store by something, you consider it to be valuable and of significance. The use of the phrase "lay store" implies the act of consciously placing worth or importance on something.

For example, you might say, "They lay store by education," indicating that they value education highly and consider it to be essential for personal and professional growth. Similarly, one could say, "We lay store by our reputation," emphasizing the significance they attach to maintaining a good reputation.

Lastly, the idiom "put on a pedestal" is also related to the idea of valuing or placing importance on someone or something. When you put someone or something on a pedestal, you treat them as if they are perfect, flawless, or superior. It implies that you idolize or hold the subject in very high regard. The use of the phrase "put on a pedestal" suggests the act of elevating or exalting someone or something.

For instance, you might say, "She puts her partner on a pedestal," indicating that she idolizes and admires her partner to an extreme extent. Similarly, one could say, "Many people put celebrities on a pedestal," highlighting the tendency to idealize and worship famous individuals.

These related idioms - "set store by," "put store in," "lay store by," and "put on a pedestal" - all convey the idea of valuing or attaching importance to someone or something. They express the act of considering someone or something to be valuable, significant, or worthy of trust. While each idiom has its specific nuances and emphasizes different aspects of valuing or prioritizing, they all ultimately convey a similar sentiment. By using these idioms, we can add depth and nuance to our language and effectively express the importance we place on various aspects of our lives.