# blue ribbon

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/blue-ribbon
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Highly superior in quality, style, substance, prestige, etc.

## Examples

- This blue ribbon service is the best in the city.
- The company hired a blue ribbon team of experts to solve the difficult technical problem.
- The university committee selected a blue ribbon panel of scholars to review the controversial research findings and ensure their absolute accuracy.

## Origin

Perhaps a calque of Middle French cordon bleu (“blue ribbon”), worn by knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit, or after Blue Riband, a sailing award. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.