banner-bearer

A banner-bearer leads the parade down the main street.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who carries a banner: "banner-bearer" refers to an individual who physically holds and displays a banner, especially in a procession, parade, or ceremonial context.
   • A figurative leader or pioneer: Metaphorically, "banner-bearer" denotes someone who leads or champions a cause, movement, or ideology, often serving as a prominent representative or symbol.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The banner-bearer walked at the front of the parade, holding the flag high. (The person carrying the banner led the procession.)

• Figurative:

  • She became the banner-bearer for women's rights in her country. (She emerged as the leading advocate and symbol of the women's rights movement.)
  • The company is the banner-bearer of innovation in the tech industry. (The company is the leading pioneer and representative of innovation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a banner-bearer": to serve as a prominent representative or leader of a group or cause.

  • He acted as the banner-bearer for the environmental campaign. (He was the leading figure and spokesperson for the campaign.)

• "to be the banner-bearer of something": to embody or champion a particular idea, value, or tradition.

  • The museum is the banner-bearer of cultural heritage in the region. (The museum is the primary institution preserving and promoting cultural heritage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Banner (n): a long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, often used in demonstrations or ceremonies.

  • The banner was carried by the banner-bearer. (The cloth with a message was held by the carrier.)

• Bearer (n): a person who carries or holds something.

  • The bearer of the torch ran through the stadium. (The person holding the torch.)

• Standard-bearer (n): a synonym for banner-bearer, especially in military or ceremonial contexts.

  • The standard-bearer led the soldiers into battle. (The person carrying the regimental flag.)

Synonyms

• Standard-bearer: a person who carries a standard (flag); a leading figure in a movement.
• Flag-bearer: a person who carries a flag; a representative of a group.
• Champion: a person who fights for or defends a cause.
• Leader: a person who guides or directs others.
• Pioneer: a person who is among the first to explore or develop a new area or idea.

Related Idioms

• Carry the banner: to lead or represent a cause or group.

  • She has carried the banner for educational reform for decades. (She has been the leading advocate for reform.)

• Raise the banner: to start or promote a movement or idea.

  • The activists raised the banner of social justice at the rally. (They began promoting the cause of social justice.)