blue ribbon

Meanings

Noun

• The highest honor or prize awarded in some competitions and contests.
• The emblem of the Order of the Garter.
• The badge adopted by a teetotal society.
• A badge worn or displayed to advocate freedom from online censorship.

Adjective

• Very superior in quality, style, or substance.
• pertaining to the Liberal Party, its supporters and regions.

Origin

• Perhaps a calque translation of Middle French cordon bleu worn by knights of the highest order of chivalry or after Blue Riband, a sailing award.