living legend
Still-breathing greatness personified
A living legend is someone whose achievements or fame have reached mythic status while they're still alive.
The phrase emphasizes that legendary figures need not be historical or dead—their greatness is recognized in their own time: She's a living legend in jazz.
Often used as high praise, though sometimes ironically for self-important figures.
- paragonFlawless model to emulate
- avatarDigital user representation
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
all-time great · mastery · one of a kind · symbol · archetype · celebrated · immortal · luminary · pioneer · eminent · national treasure · torchbearer · old guard · icon · cultural icon · pop culture icon · household name · trailblazer
living legendnobody
Inconsequential person
unknown · nonentity · unsung · faceless · average Joe
living legendpariah
Rejected, shunned person
public enemy · fallen idol · cautionary tale · laughingstock · fallen star
living, legend, live, lived, lives, alive, lively, livelihood, outlive