Ruby Slippers

What Does "Ruby Slippers" Mean?

"Ruby slippers" is an English idiom. It is a reference to the iconic, magical shoes worn by the character Dorothy in the film "the Wizard of Oz," which had the power to transport her home; often used to symbolize something that has the power to bring about desired outcomes or solutions.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "ruby slippers" used in a sentence:

• For her, her trusty smartphone was like a pair of ruby slippers, connecting her to the world and granting her access to information and communication.
• The invention of antibiotics was like a pair of ruby slippers for medicine, transforming the treatment of infections and saving countless lives.
• The small act of kindness from a stranger was like a pair of ruby slippers, offering hope and restoring faith in humanity.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Ruby Slippers" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

You now know what "ruby slippers" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see! Show Instructions