English idiom

sacred cow

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

something protected from criticism or change, often irrationally

Why this phrase?

From the Hindu reverence for cattle: an idea too holy to question.

Example

“The monolith is a sacred cow; anyone who suggests splitting it gets shut down.”

Dictionary details

Component words

cow

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

cash cow

a product or business that generates steady, reliable profit with little further investment

do the job

to be good enough to achieve the desired result

sell like hot cakes

to be bought rapidly and in great numbers because many people want it

sign on the dotted line

to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement

break even

to reach the point where revenue equals costs — no profit, no loss

change hands

to pass from one owner to another

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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