true blue

noun

1. : the blue color adopted from old association of blue with constancy and fidelity by the Covenanters; also : presbyterianism

2.

a. : thoroughgoing or uncompromising loyalty, fidelity, or orthodoxy

b. : a true-blue person

a staunch Conservative himself, a true blue, and they knew his color when they went to vote — Flora Thompson

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1. a nonfading blue dye or pigment.

2. a person who is true-blue.

3. (in the 17th century) the color adopted by the Covenanters in contradistinction to the royal red.

[1665-75]

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true blue

A person unswervingly faithful, esp to a political party represented by the colour blue, orig used of Covenanters (see ↑blue (n) above; trueˈ-blue adjective)

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Main Entry: ↑blue

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true blue see under ↑blue¹

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Main Entry: ↑true

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true blue,

1. an especially nonfading blue dye or coloring matter.

2. the blue taken as their badge by the Scottish Covenanters of the 1600's.

3. a Scottish Covenanter.

4. the faith of the Scottish Covenanters; Presbyterianism.

true-blue «TROO BLOO», adjective.

staunch and unwavering, as in one's faith or beliefs; unchanging; loyal: »

If you're true-blue, you'll keep the promise you've made. Tom's true-blue. He won't desert (Mark Twain).

SYNONYM(S): faithful.

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true blue

see blue a. 1 e, 6 b, n. 8.