an idol of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an idol of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone or something that is greatly admired or revered, often in a cultural or personal context. Example: "She became an idol of the youth, inspiring them with her music and activism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tévez is an idol of the people".

The New York Times - Sports

"Jack's been an idol of everyone for so long.

The New York Times - Sports

Torres became an idol of Anfield, scoring 54 goals in his first three seasons.

The Guardian - Sport

The jazzman was an idol of my father's, perhaps a symbol of his vanished youth.

The New Yorker

He was an idol of low society and a pet of high.

The New Yorker

The next day, instead of damaged fields, they found an idol of the creature.

The Guardian - Travel

For they have approached success as a matter of debate, not as an idol of worship.

The Washington Post

"We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate.

The Washington Post

One was an idol of mine, and the other is a friend of mine.

The New York Times - Sports

But an idol of that magnitude has not come along in a while.

The New York Times

"Riquelme is one of the greatest, an idol of the club," Tevez said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an idol of" to describe someone or something widely admired or worshipped, especially when discussing cultural icons or figures of great influence. For example, "He became an idol of the younger generation through his innovative ideas."

Common error

Avoid using "an idol of" when referring to actual religious idols unless that is the intended meaning. It is better to use descriptive terms such as "statue", "representation", or "figure" in more literal contexts to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an idol of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor or appositive to identify someone or something as an object of great admiration or reverence. As supported by Ludwig's examples, this construction often denotes a figure who embodies certain values or qualities highly esteemed by a group or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Huffington Post

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an idol of" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone or something that is greatly admired or revered. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of admiration or reverence, differentiating it from literal uses related to religious idols. Alternative phrases such as "a figure of worship" or "a symbol of admiration" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a figure of worship

Emphasizes the aspect of reverence and religious devotion, shifting from general admiration to a more sacred context.

a symbol of admiration

Highlights the representation of admiration, focusing on what the idol symbolizes rather than the idol itself.

an object of veneration

Focuses on the act of venerating or deeply respecting something, slightly more formal than "an idol of".

a revered figure

Highlights the respected status of a person, changing the structure to focus on the person rather than the concept.

a role model for

Suggests someone whose behavior is emulated, indicating influence and positive example, which shifts the meaning slightly from mere admiration.

a hero to

Conveys admiration and inspiration, often associated with courage and achievement, rather than just general high regard.

a source of inspiration

Focuses on the ability to inspire others, highlighting the positive impact the individual has on others' actions and thoughts.

an icon of

Implies a widely recognized and representative figure, often associated with a particular movement or quality, more symbolic than a personal idol.

a paragon of

Emphasizes perfection or excellence, portraying someone as a model of a specific quality or trait, which adds a layer of idealization.

a guiding light for

Suggests someone who provides direction and moral support, emphasizing their influence on others' paths and decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "an idol of" in a sentence?

You can use "an idol of" to describe someone or something that is greatly admired or revered. For example, "She is "an idol of" many young athletes."

What are some alternatives to saying "an idol of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a figure of worship", "a symbol of admiration", or "a revered figure".

Is it appropriate to use "an idol of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an idol of" is appropriate for formal writing when used correctly to describe someone or something greatly admired or respected. Be mindful of the context and ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "an idol of" and "a role model for"?

"An idol of" generally signifies someone who is greatly admired or worshipped, whereas "a role model for" implies someone whose behavior is emulated and provides a positive example.