ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bouquets and brickbats

idiom
Meaning

Praise and criticism; complimentary and uncomplimentary feedback (to the same or to different targets).


Examples
SIMPLE

The new manager receives both bouquets and brickbats from the staff.

CONTEXTUAL

After the movie premiere, the director faced a mix of bouquets and brickbats from the critics.

COMPLEX

The politician learned to accept the inevitable bouquets and brickbats that accompany a long career in the public eye.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026