barnburner

Definition

A sensationally exciting or successful event or person.

Etymology

From barn + burner, from the idea of burning down a barn to get rid of a rat infestation.

Example Sentences

• "Those deathless twin barnburners return to the Metropolitan Opera tonight."
• "It is hard to know what could convince the barnburners to change their ways. The Maga base rewards them with money and the media lavishes them with airtime."

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