Somebody’s favourite son
noun phrase
A person who is favoured or preferred in specific group, often due to personal bias.
Even though many of her students did well, John remained the teacher's favourite son because she had known him the longest.

Often appears as...
- teacher’s favourite son
- family’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun phrase
A native or resident who achieves fame or notoriety outside a specific area and is regarded with special pride by the people of his or her home town or state.
After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the activist was treated as the favourite son of her hometown.

Often appears as...
- town’s favourite son
- state’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun phrase
In politics, a person from a certain region whom residents feel represents their interests and would like to see as a candidate for presidency or other high position.
Many believed the senator would be the favourite son candidate from the Midwest in the upcoming presidential elections.

Often appears as...
- candidate’s favourite son
- party’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
noun phrase
A person who is favoured or preferred in specific group, often due to personal bias.
Even though many of her students did well, John remained the teacher's favourite son because she had known him the longest.

Often appears as...
- teacher’s favourite son
- family’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun phrase
A native or resident who achieves fame or notoriety outside a specific area and is regarded with special pride by the people of his or her home town or state.
After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the activist was treated as the favourite son of her hometown.

Often appears as...
- town’s favourite son
- state’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun phrase
In politics, a person from a certain region whom residents feel represents their interests and would like to see as a candidate for presidency or other high position.
Many believed the senator would be the favourite son candidate from the Midwest in the upcoming presidential elections.

Often appears as...
- candidate’s favourite son
- party’s favourite son
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
Definition 1 of 3

Personal Bias
The phrase implies partiality, suggesting favoritism that's not based on merit.

In the family business, uncle Joe's son is clearly the favourite son.
Exclusive Affection
The expression may hint at other members feeling less cherished or overlooked.

As the teacher's favourite son, Jack often received the best roles in school plays.
Emotional Undertone
The term can carry emotional weight and can be perceived as hurtful by others.

The coach treated Jason as his favourite son, which caused tension in the team.
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