teacher's pet

noun

1. a pupil who is a favorite of a teacher.

Word History and Origins

Origin of teacher's pet¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

A person who has gained favor with authority, as in Al has managed to be teacher's pet in any job he has held. This expression transfers the original sense of a teacher's favorite pupil to broader use. [1920s]

Related Words

• choice 
• darling 
• front-runner 
• idol 
• number one 
• pick