Kissing the Ring

My first idiom of the year that made me look for its meaning

I do not follow politics, it is too complicated for my understanding. However, if I come across a good word or expression even in a political news, I’m more than simply happy to read/click on the news and see how the word’s used, what it means in that context and all the other contexts - the original, the evolved or just the opposite!

Image Source: From the movie The Godfather

I read the expression ‘kissing the ring’ yesterday, Jan 22, in a Financial Times news, “Donald Trump moves closer to Republican coronation after Ron DeSantis ‘kisses the ring’”.

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So, what does kissing the ring mean?

According to the Free Dictionary website,

Kissing the ring means to make a gesture of deference, fealty, or genuflection to a person of power or authority.

Simply put, it is an idiom that means to accept someone in power and not challenge them.

Now, let’s get to know the (most likely) origin of this phrase.

According to Grammarist.com, in medieval times, it was customary to show respect to monarchs and bishops by kissing their rings. This act symbolizes a person's undying respect or submission. Today, we know that it's common practice in the Catholic church to kiss the pope's (or church leader's) signet ring.

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Not sure who will win the US Presidential elections this year, but like they say - may the best win! :)

There is another meaning in the urban dictionary of ‘kissing the ring’ but I do not cover X-rated words here on this platform! :)

Thank you for reading.