stolen valor
- noun
- /ˈstoʊlən ˈvælər/
- Literature
:
valor robado
- He was exposed for committing stolen valor when it was revealed that he had never served in the military.
So perfect example is, you know, the, the history behind the Stolen Valor Act.
- So perfect example is, you know, the, the history behind the Stolen Valor Act.
- And I just think that he is an exact result and why we have stolen valor.
Examples
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Many people are unaware of the legal implications surrounding stolen valor and the penalties involved.
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In 2014, Mr. Hill had "stolen valor" charges files against him, which were subsequently dropped.
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Stolen valor right here, folks.
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And then we talked about the trans thing was the stolen valor allegations against Tim Walz.
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And then we talked about the trans thing was the stolen valor allegations against Tim Walz.
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Falsely claiming military honors is considered stolen valor and can lead to serious consequences.
Synonyms
1
9.5
To pretend to be someone else to trick people
Qualities or achievements taken from others without credit to make someone seem more impressive
How Deceptive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally combines 'steal' (take illicitly) and 'valor' (heroic courage), so a learner who knows both words can infer a sense of illicitly taking or claiming bravery/honors. However, the conventional, culturally specific meaning — falsely claiming military service or decorations to gain respect or benefits — is more specific than the literal combination and requires background knowledge, so it is only partially predictable.
Etymology
Stolen valor paints a clear image: someone taking another person's medals and brave stories. Stolen means taken and valor means 'bravery', so the phrase means falsely claiming military service or honors to get respect or benefits.