court of public opinion: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘court of public opinion’ mean?
The idiom "court of public opinion" refers to the collective judgment and opinion of the general public rather than a legal court. It signifies how public perception and popular sentiment can influence or shape public figures or social issues.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "trial by media" refers to the phenomenon where a person's guilt or innocence is determined and judged by the media before a legal trial takes place. This can potentially impact public opinion and prejudice the outcome of a fair and impartial trial.
The idiom "Daniel come to judgement" means a person or group is being held accountable or facing a situation where their actions and decisions are being evaluated. It is often used in legal or moral contexts.
The idiom *courage of one's convictions* means to have the bravery and determination to stand up for what one believes is right or true, even in the face of opposition or doubt.
The idiom "common touch" refers to the ability of a person, typically a public figure, to connect with and understand regular people. It implies that the individual possesses relatability and empathy toward the general population.
The idiom *common run* refers to the average or typical group of people or things. It represents the majority or the most ordinary.
The idiom "common run" is often used in the English language to describe the average or ordinary group of people within a larger population. It is a phrase that conveys a sense of the majority or the usual state of affairs. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century when it first appeared in written records.
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared belief or interest that allows people to find agreement or understanding despite their differences.
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared understanding, agreement, or interest between two or more people or parties. It signifies a point of similarity or mutual understanding that serves as a basis for communication, negotiation, or cooperation.
The idiom "come across" means to be perceived or understood in a certain way by others, typically based on one's appearance, behavior, or communication.
The idiom "clout list" refers to a list of influential or powerful people, often compiled for the purpose of gaining favor or using their influence to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom "clout list" has several meanings and interpretations. It is derived from the word "clout," which originally referred to a piece of cloth used to patch or strengthen clothing. The idiom is primarily used in informal contexts and has gained popularity in recent years.
The idiom "cast one's vote" means to formally make a choice or decision, typically by marking a ballot during an election or voting process.
The idiom "cast one's vote" has its origins in ancient Roman times, where voting was conducted using small tokens or pebbles called "calcus." Citizens would drop their calcus into a container, which was then counted to determine the outcome. This practice evolved over time and eventually became the basis for the modern idiom "cast one's vote."
Unveiling Societal Judgment
The idiom "court of public opinion" is a common phrase that refers to the judgment of the general public regarding a particular matter. It implies that public sentiment can heavily influence public figures, organizations, or events, often independent of formal legal judgments or established facts. The court of public opinion holds no official legal standing, but it carries significant weight in shaping public narratives and perceptions.
The idiom "court of public opinion" originated from the phrase "court of justice." It emerged in the early 19th century as a metaphorical expression to describe the impact of public opinion on social and political matters. The exact historical roots of this idiom are difficult to pinpoint, but it gained increased usage and recognition in the 20th century, coinciding with the rise of mass media and the democratization of information dissemination.
The court of public opinion operates outside the confines of formal legal processes. It arises when individuals or entities face accusations, controversies, or public scrutiny that may not be legally actionable. However, public opinion can significantly affect reputations and future opportunities. It is important to note that public opinion is often swayed by emotions, sensationalism, and media coverage, rather than concrete evidence or objective truth.
One related idiom, "Joe Public," is often used to refer to the general public or an average citizen. It represents the collective voice and perspective of ordinary people in the court of public opinion. Joe Public plays a crucial role in shaping public sentiment and influencing the reputations of individuals or institutions.
"trial by media" is another related idiom that highlights the power of media in influencing public opinion. It refers to situations where individuals or organizations face public judgment and scrutiny through media coverage, often before or outside of any legal processes. Trial by media can have a significant impact on reputations and can shape public narratives and perceptions. In the court of public opinion, media plays a vital role in shaping public sentiment and influencing discussions.
It is important to recognize that the court of public opinion does not adhere to the same standards of evidence, due process, or fair judgment as a legal court. Public judgment is subjective, influenced by biases, emotions, and external factors such as media portrayal or political leanings. It is crucial to distinguish between legal judgments and public opinions, as the latter can often be based on incomplete or misleading information.
Despite its lack of legal standing, the court of public opinion holds significant power in shaping public narratives, social perceptions, and impacting individuals or institutions. Public opinion can influence political careers, brand perceptions, and societal attitudes. The court of public opinion showcases the immense influence public sentiment can have in society, even if it is not legally binding.
The idiom "court of public opinion" signifies the collective judgment and evaluation of the general public regarding a particular issue or individual. It represents the influence of public sentiment, often independent of formal legal processes. While not legally binding, the court of public opinion can significantly impact reputations and shape public narratives, showcasing the power of public sentiment in society.
Example usage
1. The controversial actor's scandalous behavior resulted in his reputation being dragged through the court of public opinion.
2. The politician's remarks on social media quickly sparked outrage, and his credibility suffered in the court of public opinion.
3. The fashion brand faced backlash after a controversial advertisement went viral, leading to a trial by the court of public opinion.
More "Opinion" idioms
