the great and the good
Society's respected leaders
The great and the good refers collectively to distinguished, influential, or socially prominent people—those considered important enough to be consulted on public matters or invited to prestigious events.
The phrase often carries a hint of irony, suggesting such people form a self-regarding elite: The great and the good gathered for the charity gala.
British in origin, it implies establishment figures whose authority is assumed rather than earned.
- famousWidely known, much recognized
- big namesProminent, recognizable individuals
- virtuousMorally excellent, principled
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
- luminariesDistinguished influential people
aristocracy · honorable · elite · power elite · old guard · altruistic · notables · benevolent · powerbrokers · top brass · magnates · illustrious · leading lights · grandees · worthies · high society · upper crust · dignitaries
the great and the goodordinary citizens
the common people · the masses · commoners · nobodies · small fry
the great and the goodvillains
Evil characters in narratives
scoundrels · ne'er-do-wells · rogues · miscreants · degenerates
the great and the goodoutsiders
Those not belonging
undesirables · outcasts · pariahs · riffraff
great, greater, greatest, greatly, greatness, good, goods, goodly, goodness