rolled out the red carpet
Gave VIP treatment
Rolled out the red carpet means gave someone an exceptionally warm or lavish welcome.
The image comes from the literal practice of laying out a red carpet for dignitaries and celebrities at formal events.
The phrase often carries a hint of irony when the welcome seems excessive: They really rolled out the red carpet for the new boss.
- greetedAcknowledged someone's arrival
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- VIPNotable, for short
- guest of honorCelebrated person at event
- inaugurateBegin officially, with ceremony
royal treatment · honored · celebration · special occasion · dignitary · head of state · extravagance · hospitality · ceremony · reception · black tie · decorum · tradition · pageantry · reverence · distinction · grand entrance · premiere
rolled out the red carpetturned away
Refused admission or attention
snubbed · cold-shouldered · rebuffed · shut out · spurned
rolled out the red carpettreated like dirt
brushed aside · put on the back burner · neglected · overlooked · disregarded
rolled, roller, reddest, carpet, carpets, carpeted, carpeting