glass ceiling: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘glass ceiling’ mean?
The idiom *glass ceiling* refers to an invisible barrier that limits the advancement of individuals, especially in the workplace, based on factors like gender or race.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "ivory tower" refers to being secluded or detached from the realities and practicalities of everyday life, often used to describe intellectuals or academics who are disconnected from the concerns of the general population.
An idiomatic expression coined by Winston Churchill referring to the figurative barrier separating the communist nations of Eastern Europe from the democratic nations of Western Europe during the Cold War.
The idiom "hit a snag" means encountering an unexpected problem or obstacle that hinders progress or causes a delay. It is often used to describe a situation where a plan or process does not go as smoothly as expected.
The idiom "heart of glass" is used to describe someone who is emotionally fragile or sensitive, often referring to someone who is easily hurt or vulnerable.
The idiom "grass tops" refers to the highest level or upper echelons of a particular group or organization, typically consisting of influential or powerful individuals. It symbolizes the idea of reaching the top or pinnacle of success within a specific field or domain.
The idiom "golden handcuffs" refers to a situation where someone is financially tied to a job or position, making it difficult for them to leave despite being unhappy or unfulfilled.
The idiom "golden handcuffs" refers to a situation where a person is financially trapped in their job due to the attractive compensation and benefits they receive. It is commonly used in the business and corporate world, particularly when referring to executives or high-earning professionals.
The idiom *glass-half-full* refers to having an optimistic outlook on life or a positive attitude, focusing on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negatives.
The idiom "glass-half-full" is a well-known expression in the English language.
When used in a literal sense, the idiom refers to the idea of looking at a glass that is half-filled with a liquid.
The idiom "glass chin" is used to describe someone who is easily hurt, either physically or emotionally, and cannot handle criticism or difficult situations well.
The idiom "forbidden fruit" refers to something that is desired but prohibited or off-limits, often due to moral or societal reasons.
The idiom "forbidden fruit" is derived from a biblical reference found in the book of Genesis, in the story of Adam and Eve. It describes something enticing or alluring that is off-limits. It carries connotations of temptation, desire, and the consequences of indulging in forbidden things.
Powerful Barrier
The idiom "glass ceiling" refers to an invisible barrier that prevents certain individuals, particularly women and minorities, from advancing to top positions in a profession or career. It is a widely used metaphor in discussions about gender and racial inequality in the workplace.
The term "glass ceiling" was first popularized in the early 1980s and has since become a common phrase in the English language. The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the feminist movement of the 1970s and 1980s. It was coined to describe the discriminatory practices and attitudes that hindered the career progression of women in predominantly male-dominated industries.
The glass ceiling metaphor suggests that individuals from marginalized groups face similar barriers in their quest for professional advancement, keeping them from reaching positions of power and authority. This concept gained widespread attention through the publication of various studies, reports, and articles that documented the underrepresentation of women and minorities in leadership roles.
One related idiom is the "brass ceiling", which refers to a similar barrier specifically faced by women in high-ranking positions in the military or government. This term highlights the challenges women face in breaking through barriers and accessing top leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. The brass ceiling exists alongside and intersects with the glass ceiling, further emphasizing the need to address gender inequality and discrimination at all levels of society.
Another related idiom is the "Chinese Wall", which is used in the financial industry to describe a barrier between departments or individuals to prevent conflicts of interest or the sharing of sensitive information. While the Chinese Wall is a different concept from the glass ceiling, both idioms highlight the existence of barriers and limitations within professional environments that hinder progress and growth.
The concept of the "corporate ladder" is also related to the glass ceiling. It refers to the hierarchical structure within an organization, where employees progress from lower-level positions to higher ones. However, the glass ceiling implies that for certain individuals, reaching the top rungs of the corporate ladder is more difficult due to discrimination and systemic biases.
Lastly, the idiom "cock in the henhouse" is used to describe a situation where a man is the only male in a predominantly female environment. While not directly related to the glass ceiling, this idiom can be seen as a symbol of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, where they may face isolation, exclusion, and additional barriers to advancement.
It is important to recognize and address the glass ceiling and related idioms to promote equality and inclusivity in the workplace. By removing these barriers, we can create opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of organizations and society as a whole.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *glass ceiling* can be used in a sentence:
- Despite her exceptional qualifications, Jane struggled to break through the glass ceiling and advance to a leadership role in her company.
- Many women in the corporate world face the challenge of the glass ceiling, which prevents them from reaching top-level positions.
- The concept of the glass ceiling refers to the invisible barrier that hinders the career advancement of certain individuals, particularly women and minorities.
More "Discrimination" idioms
