Phrase guide

brass ring

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A prize or goal, often a chance to advance in one's career.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Examples

  • He's going for the brass ring.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a rich opportunity or a prize

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he missed the brass ring at the Miami convention

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: opportunity, chance

History

Etymology

Some fairground carousels offer a prize to a rider who manages to grab a brass ring.