ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Nikon choir

idiom
Meaning

A large group of photographers simultaneously capturing images of a celebrity, producing numerous photographic flashes along with an accompanying din of clicking camera shutters.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

From Nikon (a brand of camera often used by professional photographers) + choir. The brand Nikon, which dates from 1946, is a blend of Japanese 日本光学 (Nippon Kōgaku, “Japan Optical”) (from 日本光学工業株式会社 (Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha, “Japan Optical Industries Corporation”)) and Ikon, a camera brand owned by Carl Zeiss AG. Piecewise doublet of Nikon chorus.

Examples
SIMPLE

The celebrity walked out and faced a loud Nikon choir.

CONTEXTUAL

As the actress stepped onto the red carpet, a Nikon choir erupted with flashes and clicking sounds.

COMPLEX

The star was momentarily blinded by the intense glare of the Nikon choir that gathered to document her every movement.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    preach to the choir

    To speak as if to convince a person or group of something they already believe.

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