English Reference
Idiom idiom

fair-haired boy


Someone's favorite, especially a young one; a blue-eyed boy (British), (Australian)

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He is the boss's fair-haired boy.

CONTEXTUAL

Everyone knows he will get the promotion because he is the manager's fair-haired boy.

COMPLEX

Despite his lack of experience, the fair-haired boy received the most prestigious assignment, much to the frustration of his more capable colleagues.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  2. 02

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  3. 03

    blue-eyed boy

    The favorite, especially a young one, especially of someone in power; a fair-haired boy (US), (Australian).

  4. 04

    boy howdy

    Expresses strong support or agreement.

  5. 05

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

  6. 06

    boy toy

    A gigolo or younger man who is sexually pursued by an older person.

  7. 07

    boys and girls

    Used to address an audience of children, or (jocularly) of adults.

  8. 08

    boys and their toys

    Used to evoke the idea that adult men sometimes dote excessively on machines, automobiles, and gadgets in a childish manner.

Last updated August 10, 2026