pillars of society
Upstanding civic leaders
Pillars of society are people considered essential to a community's stability and moral order—civic leaders, philanthropists, clergy, respected professionals.
The phrase often carries irony, suggesting these upstanding figures may be hypocrites concealing private failings: He was a pillar of society until the embezzlement came to light.
The singular pillar of the community works similarly.
- community leadersThose directing local groups
- leadersThose with authority
- governmentAuthority over a state
- law enforcementUpholding legal codes
- first respondersPersonnel arriving at emergencies initially
philanthropists · caregivers · justice · schools · educators · mentors · integrity · moral compass · equality · moral authority · role models · responsibility · column · flag · cornerstones · perseverance · foundations · volunteers
pillars of societyoutcasts
Rejected, excluded people
pariahs · dregs of society · scum of the earth · untouchables · undesirables
pillars of societyrebels
Armed opposition fighters
subversives · anarchists · revolutionaries · agitators · troublemakers
pillars of societycriminals
Lawbreakers by act
crooks · scoundrels · villains · reprobates · corrupt officials
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