# give someone their flowers

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-their-flowers
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To praise someone or to acknowledge their work or accomplishments.

## Examples

- You should give your teacher her flowers for all her hard work.
- I want to give my neighbor her flowers for always helping me.
- We give the volunteers their flowers for keeping the park clean.
- At the retirement party, the team finally gave their manager his flowers for leading them through such a difficult year.
- The young artist thanked the older generation for their influence, saying it was time to give them their flowers for changing the music industry.
- After the successful launch, the CEO took a moment during the meeting to give the design team their flowers for their creative vision.
- It is important to give people their flowers while they are still here to appreciate the recognition of their lifelong contributions.

## Origin

Attributed to the custom of presenting bouquets to stage performers at the conclusion of a production. The gesture translates the floral tribute from a post-performance formality into a broader recognition of merit while the recipient is still present to observe it.

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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.