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Glite Dictionary
👨‍🍳 A top chef 🏅 A high honor
cordon bleu

cordon bleu

8.8
A special honor like a medal or title that shows someone has very high skill
  • noun
  • /ˌkɔrdən ˈblu/
  • Formal
translation icon : cordón azul
  • The chef wore his cordon bleu with pride, signifying his distinction in the culinary world.

Examples

  • He received the prestigious cordon bleu for his contributions to the arts.

  • Winning the Nobel Prize is often considered a cordon bleu of academic achievement.

  • Achieving such a cordon bleu was a lifetime goal for many ambitious artists.

  • The cordon bleu is a symbol of excellence in French culture.

  • The chef received the prestigious cordon bleu for his culinary artistry.

  • She was proud to wear her cordon bleu as a symbol of her achievements in the culinary arts.

  • Earning a cordon bleu is a significant milestone for aspiring chefs.

Synonyms

distinction
vscordon bleu
  • Formal
40 4.6

An honor that rewards very good work or success

is a specific top-level honor awarded for outstanding excellence
Medal of Honor
vscordon bleu
  • Formal
28 3.4

The highest United States military award given for very brave acts in battle

is a highest-level honor for outstanding excellence beyond military valor
blue ribbon
vscordon bleu
13 3.1

A prize given for first place in a contest

is a formal distinction for outstanding excellence beyond contests
cordon
vscordon bleu
3 7.6

A decorative cord or ribbon worn to show honor in ceremonies

is an abstract highest award rather than a physical decorative item
Croix de Guerre
vscordon bleu
1 9.9

A French medal given to soldiers for bravery in battle

is a national honor for outstanding excellence not limited to combat

How Prestigious

order
204 6.7
cordon bleu
  • Formal
8.8
medal
567 1.0
award
∞ 1.0
certificate
307 2.7

Surface Forms

cordon bleu singular
cordon bleus plural

Morphology

cordon + bleu

The constituents 'cordon' (a ribbon) and 'bleu' (blue) transparently suggest a 'blue ribbon'—a visible sign of honor or distinction—so a learner who knows both words can plausibly infer an award/mark of excellence. However, 'cordon bleu' is a French loan with culturally specific and specialized uses (including culinary senses and historical knighthood), so the exact connotations are not fully predictable from the parts alone.

Etymology

Cordon bleu comes from a literal 'blue ribbon' worn long ago by top French knights, and cordon means 'ribbon' while bleu means 'blue'. So that special blue ribbon became a sign of outstanding quality, which is why 'cordon bleu' now means 'an honor or special distinction'.