PhrasesHub

An Oxford scholar

    Definitions

      • describe an intellectual or highly educated person
        Refer to someone who is knowledgeable, well-educated, or has achieved a high level of academic success, often in a prestigious institution like Oxford University

      • describe someone who is snobbish or pretentious about their intelligence or education
        Criticize someone for being conceited or arrogant about their intellectual abilities, often in a mocking or sarcastic manner

    Examples of An Oxford scholar

    • The university's most brilliant student was an Oxford scholar.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who has completed their academic studies at the University of Oxford, which is known for its high academic standards and prestigious reputation.

    • She spent hours poring over ancient texts as an Oxford scholar.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is highly knowledgeable in a particular field, as if they have earned a degree from Oxford in that subject.

    • His Oxford scholarship allowed him to travel the world and conduct research in his field.

      This idiom can also be used to refer to a specific academic award or scholarship, which is often highly competitive and prestigious.

    • The group's leader was a true Oxford scholar, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in their field.

      This idiom can be used to describe someone who has a deep understanding and expertise in a particular subject, as if they have earned a degree from Oxford in that field.

    • The author's Oxford scholarship helped her to publish several groundbreaking papers in her field.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the impact that an academic award or scholarship has had on someone's career, as it often provides opportunities for further study, research, and publication.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "an Oxford scholar" is most commonly used to describe someone who is highly educated or knowledgeable. It often carries a connotation of prestige and success, as Oxford University is one of the most prestigious and well-respected universities in the world. However, it can also be used sarcastically or mockingly to criticize someone who is overly proud or snobbish about their intelligence or education.

    Origin of "An Oxford scholar"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the prestigious Oxford University in England. Founded in the 12th century, Oxford University has a long history of producing highly educated and successful individuals. The term "Oxford scholar" was often used to refer to these individuals who had achieved a high level of academic success at the university.

    Over time, the term became associated with intelligence, knowledge, and education in general, rather than just those who attended Oxford University. This is likely due to the university's reputation and the high standards of education it provides. As a result, the idiom "an Oxford scholar" came to be used to describe anyone who is highly educated or knowledgeable, regardless of whether they attended Oxford or not.

    The use of "Oxford" in this idiom also adds a sense of prestige and superiority, as the university is often seen as an elite institution. This can also explain why the term is sometimes used sarcastically to criticize someone who is overly proud or pretentious about their intelligence or education.