favorite son
6
7.6
- noun
- /ˈfeɪvərɪt sʌn/
- Literature
:
hijo predilecto
- I guess I shouldn't be too surprised considering that the town's favorite son is Wendel Willkie.
- favorite son candidate
Examples
-
True, he could have pointed to Edwards' SC victory there in 2004, but he was practically a favorite son, being from NC.
Blog text (15) -
It's certain he'll win because he's a favorite son in his district.
Fiction book (1991) -
Well, you better work hard, because Hoover's expecting big things from his favorite son.
-
It's not like Kerry is a favorite son of South Carolina.
Blog text (21) -
Overwhelmingly, George Morrison is one of Minnesota's favorite sons.
Academic text (2004) -
The governor is widely regarded as the favorite son of the state, especially after his recent election win.
-
During the nomination process, the delegates rallied around their favorite son, confident he would secure the party's support.
-
With his deep roots in the community, he is definitely the favorite son among the local voters, who appreciate his efforts.
Synonyms
32
1.0
A person or thing most likely to win a contest
1
3.9
The person most preferred for a job or role
How Supported
- Literature
6
7.6
1
3.9
49
4.1
∞
2.8
197
1.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The constituents 'favorite' (especially liked) and 'son' (male from a place) give a straightforward image of a person from the area who is especially liked, so learners can often infer a general sense. However, the specific political meaning — a locally supported politician nominated to control delegates — is a metaphorical/figurative extension that a B1 learner may not predict without exposure or contextual knowledge.
Etymology
Favorite son comes from the image of a state treating a local politician as its favorite son, a chosen champion who gets special backing at national meetings. So, the phrase means 'a politician strongly supported by his home state'.