| 释义 |
Above the salt
| phrases which have survived the old custom, in the houses of people of rank, of placing a large saltcellar near the middle of a long table, the places above which were assigned to the guests of distinction, and those below to dependents, inferiors, and poor relations. See Saltfoot. |
See also: Salt above the salt
above the saltOf or in a position of high standing, rank, regard, or repute. The term is derived from the social hierarchy of nobility in medieval times, in which salt, a precious commodity then, was set in the middle of the dining table. Those of high noble rank were seated "above the salt," that is, closer to the lord and lady of the house, while those in lower social standing were seated "below" it. Even though my boss is above the salt, he still makes a point of mingling with everyone in the company. Mike considers himself above the salt since getting that big promotion at the law firm last month.See also: above, salt |