Definition & Meaning of "[put|place] {sb} on a pedestal"

What is the origin of the idiom "put someone on a pedestal" and when to use it?

The idiom "put someone on a pedestal" originated in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. In these societies, statues of gods and revered individuals were placed on pedestals to elevate and honor them. When someone "puts someone on a pedestal," it means they hold that person in very high regard and idealize them, considering them to be almost perfect or flawless. However, it often carries a cautionary connotation, implying that the person may be unrealistically idealized.