ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bellwether state

idiom
Meaning

A state of the United States that historically votes for the winning candidate in a given election.


Origin

disputed origin

Compound of bellwether + state.

Examples
SIMPLE

This state is a famous bellwether state in national elections.

CONTEXTUAL

Political analysts watch the results in this bellwether state closely because they often predict the winner of the entire election.

COMPLEX

Because the demographic composition of the region mirrors the national average, it has long served as a reliable bellwether state for presidential campaigns.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    blue state

    A state of the United States voting Democratic in a given election, or tending to vote Democratic in general.

  2. 02

    green state

    A U.S. state perceived as environmentally friendly.

  3. 03

    in a real state

    Synonym of in a right state.

  4. 04

    in a right state

    in a mess or in a state of chaos; very unkempt, in poor condition.

  5. 05

    something is rotten in the state of Denmark

    Something is not right, seriously amiss, especially when leading to suspicion of motive.

  6. 06

    state of affairs

    A specific situation; a set of circumstances.

  7. 07

    yellow state

    A state of the United States where the Libertarian Party is influential.

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