He wanted a career as an actor, but he didn't want to be 'put on a pedestal'. [=to be treated like a big star]
Her boyfriend 'put/placed her on a pedestal'. [=thought of her as a perfect person with no faults]
They're trying to 'knock the champions off their pedestal'. [=to defeat the champions]
(..) It's not your game. You turn, run, find a high ground. Look for water. Water's your new best friend. Don't step off that pedestal earlier or they'll blow you sky high. I won't. Katniss. You can do this. Thanks. (..)2012 The Hunger Games