brass ring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It originates from late 19th/early 20th century carousels (merry-go-rounds). Riders on the outside row would try to grab a small, literal brass ring from a dispenser as the carousel spun. Success meant a free ride or a prize.

Yes, it can be used cynically to imply an enticing but ultimately hollow or manipulative reward offered by an authority (e.g., "The company dangles the brass ring of promotion to get employees to work overtime.").

It is primarily informal and idiomatic. It is suitable for conversational English, journalism, and business contexts but is generally avoided in very formal academic or legal writing.

Both involve incentives. 'Brass ring' is a singular, major prize one actively tries to grab. 'Carrot on a stick' is a continual, often unattainable incentive used to motivate or manipulate someone's behavior over time.

A symbol of a prize, reward, or major opportunity for success or advancement.

Brass ring: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːs ˈrɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbræs ˈrɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.