trophy partner

plural trophy partners

1. A romantic partner, usually young and attractive, regarded as a status symbol for their partner, usually older and affluent.

   3 more examples

   Many people are waking up to the fact that fulfilment is not necessarily about material possessions and social status — the Aston Martin, the second home in the sun, the next promotion, the third child or trophy partner — although for some these things seem to be essential and are the reasons why they put most of their time, energy and effort into work.

   2004, Deborah Tom, chapter 1, in Find the Balance: Essential Steps to Fulfilment in Your Work and Life, BBC Books, page 16

   Walking arm in arm serves several purposes. It provides the comfort of contact, and it indicates to other parties (and potential mates) that we are unavailable. It can also be a display of a “trophy” partner, particularly where there is a marked difference in the age, desirability or attractiveness of the pair.

   2005, Nick Marshallsay, chapter 8, in The Body Language Phrasebook: 500 ways to read the signs, Chrysalis Books Group, page 239

   This was rapidly turning back into the dream to end all dreams. Etienne was so darkly handsome, and he was standing so close her heart bounced with anticipation. It took a huge effort to remember what had happened to his ex-fiancée. She had been the media’s idea of a trophy partner, yet it had ended in disaster.

   2010, Christina Hollis, chapter 6, in The French Aristocrat's Baby, Mills & Boon, page 128