What is meant by the phrase "Emperors new clothes"?

Answer 1

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It comes from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and refers to the situation where people who are unwilling to risk looking ignorant or stupid by admitting they cannot see the value of something go along with the "experts" who extol its value. For a present day example one might point to the overvalued "art" of Tracy Emmin or Damien Hirst (viz his diamond encrusted skull)

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Asker's Comment:

Good use of example!

Answer 2

In the story the Emperor got new clothes but they werent actually made of anything and he walked around naked. The tailors basically conned him and told him he was wearing the finest material in the world. so it could mean to be conned or ripped off.

Answer 3

The subject at hand is naked.. or meaning exposed...

Answer 4

It's all to do with a swindle.

Answer 5

"The Emperor's New Clothes" (Keiserens nye Klæder) is a fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about an emperor who unwittingly hires two swindlers to create a new suit of clothes for him. The tale was first published in 1837 as part of Eventyr, fortalte for Børn (Fairy Tales, Told for Children).
The tale is one of Andersen's most popular. It appears often in selected tales collections of his work and is frequently published in illustrated storybook editions for children. The tale has seen adaptations in animated film, and television drama.

So it means you're naked! :)

Source(s):

wikipedia

Answer 6

It means that if there is a conflict between what you see and what somebody TELLS you that you are seeing, trust your own eyes.

Hard evidence outweighs expert testimony.
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Answer 7

it means that people are being dishonest to spare your feelings, "yes I like your new car" but infact you think it is a heap of junk.