fair-haired boy
Boss's chosen one
A fair-haired boy is a favorite, someone who receives special treatment or preferential status from those in power: He was the CEO's fair-haired boy until the merger fell through.
The term suggests unearned advantages and often carries a note of resentment from those not similarly favored.
Sometimes used with golden-haired or blue-eyed.
Favored person destined for success
- blue-eyed boySomeone unfairly favored
- teacher's petFavored student
- favoriteMost liked option
- darlingBeloved person or pet
pet · chosen one · anointed one · heir apparent · apple of one's eye · front-runner · number one · crown prince
Exceptionally talented youngster
- wunderkindRemarkably talented youngster
- rising starEmerging person of promise
- phenomExceptional talent, informally
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
up-and-comer · hotshot · young gun · boy wonder · child genius · bright young thing · high-flyer · standout
One receiving guidance
- apprenticeLearner bound to employer
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- traineeOne being instructed
- discipleCommitted follower of teaching
pupil · ward · charge · student · junior · successor · beneficiary · protégé
golden boy
Favored person destined for success
- blue-eyed boySomeone unfairly favored
- teacher's petFavored student
- favoriteMost liked option
darling · pet · chosen one · anointed one · heir apparent · apple of one's eye · front-runner · number one · crown prince · blessed one
whiz kid
Exceptionally talented youngster
- wunderkindRemarkably talented youngster
- rising starEmerging person of promise
- phenomExceptional talent, informally
prodigy · up-and-comer · hotshot · young gun · boy wonder · child genius · bright young thing · high-flyer · standout · shooting star
mentee
One receiving guidance
- apprenticeLearner bound to employer
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- traineeOne being instructed
disciple · pupil · ward · charge · student · junior · successor · beneficiary · protégé
fair-haired boyblack sheep
Disreputable family member
scapegoat · whipping boy · outcast · persona non grata · pariah
fair-haired boyunderdog
Presumed loser beforehand
long shot · dark horse · no-hoper · hopeless case · also-ran
fair, haired, hair, fairly, fairness, fairer, fairest, unfair, unfairly