blue riband

noun

Also called (esp US)blue ribbon sometimes capitals the record for the fastest sea journey between two places, esp (in the 1920s and 30s) for a passenger liner between New York and Southampton
1. the most distinguished achievement in any field
2. ( as modifier )
  the blue-riband event of the meeting

A well-ordered dinner-table is a social microcosm; and, being so, this is the blue riband of the arrangement.

At Chedzoy he stopped a moment to mount a fresh horse and to hide his blue riband and his George.

They were delicately bound together, too, by a bright blue riband, fastened by a gold and turquoise pin.

By the blue riband alone could the young subject of this 'good sort of man' discern that he was in the presence of majesty.

A star caught it to its white-edged blue riband—and that was the coveted Star of India.

Browse