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The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Rising star

Meaning

A rising star is an individual who is becoming increasingly successful and prominent in their particular field or profession.

Origin

The metaphor of a 'star' to denote a person of exceptional talent or influence has ancient roots, stemming from astrological beliefs that linked human destiny and prominence to celestial bodies. However, the specific pairing of 'rising' with 'star' to describe an emerging talent truly blossomed in the 20th century. With the advent of mass media, film, music, and sports began to mint global celebrities, and the image of a star 'rising' in the firmament perfectly captured the trajectory of someone whose fame and influence were rapidly growing. It paints a vivid picture: a bright new star appearing on the horizon, catching the eye of all who observe it, signaling a future of brilliance and widespread recognition.

Examples

  • The young actress is considered a rising star in Hollywood after her breakout role in the new drama.
  • Many analysts are calling the tech startup's CEO a rising star, predicting he will soon be a major player in the industry.
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