give the royal treatment: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give the royal treatment’ mean?
The idiom give the royal treatment means to treat someone or something with special attention, luxury, or respect, often going above and beyond what is expected. It can be used when someone is being treated like a royal or when an object or situation is exceptionally well-cared for.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kiss up to" means to flatter, praise, or show excessive admiration to someone, often in order to gain favor or win their approval. It implies insincere or obsequious behavior.
The idiom "king's ransom" means an extremely large or exorbitant amount of money or valuable things.
The idiom "king's cushion" refers to a position of power or privilege. It implies being in a comfortable and influential role that is highly regarded and protected. This idiom is often used to describe someone who has a coveted or enviable position in society.
When someone is referred to as the "king of the castle," it means they are in a position of power or authority and have control over a particular situation or group of people. This idiom can also imply a sense of dominance and superiority.
The idiom "keys to the kingdom" means having access to the most important or valuable things, often referring to having complete control or authority over a situation, organization, or valuable information.
The idiom "keys to the kingdom" is often used to refer to a situation where one is granted access or control over something significant or valuable. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to biblical references, where keys symbolize authority and control.
The idiom "high and mighty" means that someone is arrogant, haughty, or acting superior to others. It refers to someone who thinks they are better or more important than everyone else.
High and mighty is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is arrogant or conceited, believing themselves to be superior to others.
The idiom "handle with kid gloves" means to treat someone or something delicately or carefully, usually because they are sensitive or fragile. It implies the need for caution and gentleness in one's actions or words towards the person or object being handled.
The idiom "go the extra mile" means to put in extra effort or go beyond what is expected in order to achieve a goal or provide exceptional service.
The idiom "go overboard" means to go to great or excessive lengths, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable. It implies an extreme or exaggerated action or behavior, often resulting from enthusiasm or excitement.
The idiom "go out of one's way" means to make an extra effort or to do something that is not required or expected, often to help someone else or to achieve a specific goal.
Unlocking the Majesty
The idiom "give the royal treatment" is a commonly used expression in American English, often used to describe the act of treating someone with great care, attention, and respect. It implies going above and beyond what is typically expected or required in order to provide a luxurious and indulgent experience.
The origins of this expression can be traced back to the concept of royalty and the way members of royal families were historically treated. Royalty, particularly in medieval times, were often regarded as superior beings and were accorded special privileges and attention. They had a whole retinue of servants and were surrounded by opulence, luxury, and lavishness.
By the 19th century, the phrase "royal treatment" had entered the English language and was used to metaphorically describe the same level of attention and care that was given to members of royalty. It was used particularly in the context of customer service, where establishments aimed to provide an exceptional experience to their patrons by treating them as though they were royalty.
In modern usage, "give the royal treatment" has become a widely recognized idiom, often used in informal and colloquial speech. It is commonly employed in various contexts, such as hospitality, customer service, and personal relationships, to convey the idea of bestowing special treatment or going the extra mile to make someone feel important and valued.
An example of this idiom in use would be: "The hotel staff gave us the royal treatment during our stay, offering us an upgraded suite, personalized greetings, and complimentary amenities."
It is important to note that the idiom "give the royal treatment" is primarily used in a positive sense, implying kindness, generosity, and attentiveness. However, there can also be a hint of irony or sarcasm when used in certain contexts, such as when someone is being excessively fawned over or when an individual expects special treatment.
The idiom "fit for a king" is closely related to "give the royal treatment." It is used to describe something that is of exceptional quality or luxury, similar to what would befit a king. The phrase suggests that the item or experience being described is on par with what a king or a member of royalty would expect or deserve. For example, you might say, "The five-star hotel we stayed at was truly fit for a king, with its lavish decor and outstanding service."
In a similar vein, the idiom "do right by" is also related to "give the royal treatment." This expression means to treat someone fairly and justly, doing what is morally or ethically correct by them. When you "do right by" someone, you are ensuring that they are treated with respect, honesty, and fairness. It aligns with the idea of giving someone the royal treatment by going above and beyond to provide them with the care and attention they deserve. An example of using this idiom would be, "We always strive to do right by our customers, ensuring that they receive excellent service and are satisfied with their experience."
Another related idiom is the "golden rule." This timeless rule states, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It essentially means treating others the way you would like to be treated. The golden rule is closely connected to the concept of giving the royal treatment, as it emphasizes the importance of treating others with care, attention, and respect. It encourages us to go above and beyond to make others feel valued and important, just as we would want to be treated ourselves.
The idiom "give the royal treatment" is a widely understood expression that conveys the notion of treating someone with utmost care, attention, and respect. Its origins lie in the historical treatment of royalty, and it has now become a figurative phrase used to describe going above and beyond to provide a luxurious and indulgent experience. While typically used in a positive sense, it can also carry nuances of irony or sarcasm in certain contexts. This idiom encapsulates the human desire for exceptional treatment and raises questions about the nature of power, privilege, and our own expectations in society.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give the royal treatment" can be used in a sentence:
- After winning the championship, the team was given the royal treatment with a parade and a special ceremony.
- When the VIP guests arrived at the hotel, they were greeted with champagne and was given the royal treatment throughout their stay.
- As a top client, she always receives the royal treatment whenever she visits the spa, including personalized services and exclusive access to the relaxation areas.
More "Respect" idioms
