Definition of the word purple patch

The term "purple patch" originated from the world of sports and is commonly used in cricket, rugby, and football to describe a highly productive and successful period for an individual player or team. The phrase "purple patch" is derived from the term "royal purple" which was historically associated with symbols of wealth, power, and royalty. In ancient Rome, the color purple was considered a luxury and worn only by the aristocracy. This color was made from a dye extracted from a rare mollusk found in the Mediterranean Sea, known as Conchodile mauritanica. The process of extracting this dye was painstaking and expensive, making purple cloth and clothing a symbol of wealth and prestige. Therefore, to describe a team or player who is performing exceptionally well during a specific period, the term "purple patch" was coined to evoke the image of royal and luxurious success. The phrase resonates well with sports because it suggests that a player or team is enjoying a period of exceptional form that makes them appear invincible, almost regal. It's a way of giving recognition and credit to a team's or player's outstanding performance during a defined period and implies that this success will soon come to an end. The term, consequently, is widely used across the globe in sports broadcasting, coaching, and commentator's vocabulary.