Blue-ribbon panel

Posted by ESC on December 28, 2006

In Reply to: Blue-ribbon panel posted by Ellyse K. Agate on December 28, 2006

: blue-ribbon panel
: Is this a phrase and what is it's origin?

Yes, it is. And the origin is the same as this: www.phrases.org.uk meanings 102150.html

Blue ribbon panel -- "a jury or committee chosen on the basis of intelligence or special experience to investigate particularly complex or important matters. Denoting exclusivity, the term comes from the ribbons worn by the members of the Order of the Garter in Great Britain, and the 'cordon bleu' of the ancient order of St. Esprit in France, as well as from the ribbons awarded to prize-winners, animal and human alike. Though properly applied to juries, 'blue ribbon panel' has become something of a cliche for any government-appointed committee..." From Safire's New Political Dictionary by William Safire (Random House, New York, 1993). Page 67.