who’s who: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘who's who’ mean?
The idiom "who's who" refers to a select group of individuals who are considered the most important or influential in a particular field or community.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "who are you telling" is used to acknowledge someone's statement by expressing agreement or understanding of the information they have shared.
The idiom "what's what" means to understand or know the important or essential information about a subject or situation.
The idiom "top cat" is used to describe someone who is the most important or influential person in a group or organization.
The idiom "top banana" is used to describe someone who is the most important or influential person in a group or organization.
The idiom "some people" refers to an unspecified group of individuals. It is often used to describe certain behaviors, opinions, or actions that are generally disliked or considered negative by a speaker. However, it is important to note that the idiom does not apply to everyone and should not be generalized to all people.
The idiom "show who's boss" means to assert dominance or control over a situation or person, typically in a forceful or assertive manner. It implies asserting one's authority and making it clear that one is in charge.
The idiom "powers that be" refers to the influential individuals or groups who hold authority or control over a particular situation or organization.
An idiom used to refer to a particular person's character, occupation, or role, highlighting its uniqueness and individuality.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "main man" is used to refer to someone who is extremely important or influential in a particular situation. This person is often the go-to person and plays a central role in making things happen.
Unveiling Layers
The idiom "who's who" is commonly used to refer to a group or organization that contains prominent or important individuals. It emphasizes the expertise, status, or influence of the individuals being referred to. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the publication of a British periodical called "The Book of Who's Who" in 1849. This publication aimed to provide information about notable or influential people in various fields. Over time, the phrase "who's who" gained popularity and became a widely understood and recognized phrase in modern English, used to describe any group in which notable individuals are present. It is not limited to any specific region or culture and has been adopted globally, particularly in English-speaking countries.
When using the idiom "who's who," it is often accompanied by a preposition to indicate the field or domain in which the individuals are prominent. For example, expressions such as "the fashion who's who," "the political who's who," or "the business who's who" are commonly used to specify the particular area of expertise or influence of the individuals being referred to. This helps to highlight the importance and significance of the people involved.
Another related idiom is "everybody who is anybody," which can be seen as an extension of the original idiom. It emphasizes that within a specific group or industry, all the important or influential individuals are present. It suggests that to truly be considered a part of that group or industry, one must have a presence or recognition among the prominent individuals. This idiom further underscores the significance and prestige of being included in the "who's who" of a particular field.
Similarly, the idiom "anybody who is anybody" is a variant of the original idiom that highlights the importance of being recognized or associated with the prominent individuals within a group or domain. It implies that to be considered significant or influential, one must have connections or interactions with the key figures. This idiom reinforces the idea that to truly make an impact or be respected within a field, it is crucial to be a part of the "who's who."
Lastly, there is the idiom "king of all one surveys," which can be seen as a hyperbolic way of expressing dominance or authority over a particular domain. It suggests that the person being referred to has the power to assess or determine the importance or significance of individuals within a group or organization. This idiom further emphasizes the idea of identifying and acknowledging the key figures within a specific field, highlighting the role of the "who's who."
The idiom "who's who" has its roots in a British publication from the 19th century and has become widely recognized as a phrase to describe a prestigious group or collection of notable individuals. It is used to emphasize the prominence, influence, and expertise of the people within a given field or domain. With its global adoption and metaphorical usage, the idiom continues to play a significant role in both informal and formal discourse, highlighting the importance of identifying the key figures within various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "who's who" can be used in a sentence:
- She was invited to the exclusive party because she was considered a part of the who's who in the fashion industry.
- The gala was attended by celebrities, politicians, and other members of the who's who in society.
- The book provides a detailed guide to the who's who of the art world, featuring profiles of renowned artists.
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