ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give someone their flowers

idiom
Meaning

To praise someone or to acknowledge their work or accomplishments.


Origin

disputed origin

Presumably in reference to the bouquets traditionally given to stage performers.

Examples
SIMPLE

You should give your teacher her flowers for all her hard work.

CONTEXTUAL

At the retirement party, the team finally gave their manager his flowers for leading them through such a difficult year.

COMPLEX

It is important to give people their flowers while they are still here to appreciate the recognition of their lifelong contributions.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    cry someone a river

    To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.

Last updated April 17, 2026