nearest and dearest

idiom

Meaning

One's closest and most intimate family members, friends, etc.

Origin

disputed origin

] The adjective sense appears to predate the noun sense.

Examples

SIMPLE

I invited my nearest and dearest to the party.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent the holidays surrounded by her nearest and dearest at her family home.

COMPLEX

In his final moments, he felt comforted knowing that his nearest and dearest were gathered by his side.

Anchors to