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Region: General | Usage example: The city rolled out the red carpet for the visiting dignitary.

Roll out the red carpet

Meaning

Give someone a very special welcome.

Usage

Used for formal hospitality.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Red carpets have marked honour since ancient Greece (Aeschylus' Agamemnon describes one); film premieres made the image famous.

Used for honoured guests for centuries and popularised by Hollywood in the 20th century.

Related Idioms

Call on the carpet

Summon someone for a reprimand.

Call to the carpet

Summon someone to report for a reprimand.

Roll with the punches

Adapt to difficulties gracefully.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.