ENGLISH
REFERENCE

special treatment

idiom
Meaning

A form of exceptional handling or care that differs from the standard, often implying favoritism.


Origin

disputed origin

The second sense is a calque of German Sonderbehandlung.

Examples
SIMPLE

He expects special treatment just because he is the boss.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gave her special treatment by letting her leave early every Friday, which annoyed the rest of the team.

COMPLEX

While the company claims to value equality, the executive's children clearly receive special treatment regarding promotions and salary increases.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    cold treatment

    Cold shoulder.

  2. 02

    give the royal treatment

    To treat (someone) extremely well.

  3. 03

    special delivery

    Something—whether desirable or undesirable—which is intentionally given to a specific individual or which an individual receives rapidly and unexpectedly; the personalized, direct quality of the transmission of such an item.

  4. 04

    special military operation

    A military situation resembling a war; especially the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

  5. 05

    special needs

    Needs for special care, services or accommodations for people with disabilities.

  6. 06

    special relationship

    A political and diplomatic relationship between two countries that is particularly close and is considered to be based on deep historical and ideological ties rather than merely common interests; especially:

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