favourite son
/ˌfeɪv(ə)rɪt ˈsʌn
/1A famous man who is particularly popular in his native area: Essex’s favourite son will open at Lord’s to launch the cricket season...
- It was the work of a schoolgirl, then 13, who was so moved by the impending departure of the town's favourite son that she committed her thoughts to verse.
- Yes, the favourite son of American liberalism is back in the news.
- It is not meant to be disparaging of Oxford's favourite son.
1.1US A person supported as a presidential candidate by delegates from the candidate’s home state: he hoped to strengthen his position as Maryland’s favourite son...
- Upon the death of the Justice in 1851, he became New Hampshire's favorite son presidential candidate.
- In 1880, he supported Ohio's favorite son, John Sherman, for the Republican presidential nomination, opposing a third term for Ulysses S. Grant.
- In fact, the predecessor often chooses, endorses, or otherwise supports the favorite son as the most appropriate successor to pursue the course that he has established.
See parent entry: favourite