woman of the hour
MediumSemi-formal, Journalistic, Celebratory
Definition
Meaning
A woman who is currently receiving significant praise, attention, or recognition for her achievements or actions.
A woman who is celebrated as the most notable or important figure in a particular event, situation, or period of time. Often implies temporary but intense focus and admiration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An idiom derived from the more common phrase 'man of the hour.' It carries a congratulatory, celebratory, and sometimes slightly ceremonial connotation. It refers to a specific moment in time, not a permanent state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more common in American media and celebratory contexts, but fully understood and used in British English.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. Both imply public recognition and a moment of triumph.
Frequency
Frequency is similar; both varieties use it primarily in journalism, speeches, and formal praise.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] be [definite article] woman of the hour.[Subject] was declared/crowned/named [definite article] woman of the hour.All eyes were on [Subject], the woman of the hour.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “man of the hour”
- “belle of the ball”
- “life of the party”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when a female executive closes a major deal or leads a successful project launch. 'After securing the merger, Elena was the woman of the hour at the board meeting.'
Academic
Rare. Might be used metaphorically when a researcher presents a groundbreaking paper at a conference.
Everyday
Used for celebrations like birthdays, promotions, or personal triumphs. 'After organising the perfect surprise party, Sarah was the woman of the hour.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It's her birthday. She is the woman of the hour!
- After saving the lost dog, Maria was the woman of the hour in her neighbourhood.
- Having delivered the keynote address to a standing ovation, the professor was undoubtedly the woman of the hour at the symposium.
- Amidst the corporate scandal, the whistleblower emerged as the woman of the hour, garnering both public admiration and media scrutiny.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock striking the hour, and at that precise moment, a woman is receiving a round of applause and a toast. She is the focus for *this* hour.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE OF FAME (one's fame is measured in units of time; this person owns the current unit).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'женщина часа' – this is nonsensical.
- The idiom 'героиня дня' (heroine of the day) or 'звезда момента' (star of the moment) are closer conceptual equivalents.
- Avoid confusing it with 'час женщины' (woman's hour), which refers to a time period.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'woman of the hour' to describe a long-term leader (e.g., 'She was CEO for 20 years and was always the woman of the hour.').
- Incorrect plural: 'women of the hours.' The plural is 'women of the hour.'
- Confusing it with 'woman of the year,' which implies a longer, more sustained period of recognition.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the phrase 'woman of the hour' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the gendered equivalent is 'man of the hour.' Using 'woman of the hour' for a man would be incorrect. A gender-neutral alternative is 'person of the hour' or 'star of the hour.'
It is inherently temporary, referring to a specific event or a short period of intense focus—often a single day, evening, or occasion. The 'hour' is metaphorical.
Yes, it is almost exclusively a term of praise and positive recognition, implying admiration and celebration.
The plural is 'women of the hour.' It would be used very rarely, perhaps if a group were jointly honoured for a single act.