What Is The Meaning Of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”?

In this fable by Hans Christian Andersen, an Emperor is persuaded by two swindlers to order an expensive suit of clothes. The special property of these clothes, they tell him, is that anybody who is unfit for his post will be unable to see them. The Emperor places the order, sure that he at least will be able to see the clothes. After a few days he sends some important statesman to visit the "tailors" and see how the garments are progressing. The officials arrive at the workshop, to find the two men very busy weaving and sewing – but they can't see any cloth. Of course neither of them dares to admit this, so they praise the beauty of the clothes and send the Emperor a glowing report.
Finally, on the day of a great procession, the "new clothes" are ready. The Emperor is horrified that he can't see the clothes. Thinking this must mean he is unfit for his post, he pretends to admire them, has himself "dressed" and parades naked through the city streets. The crowd all exclaim at his smart appearance – until a child cries, "But he's got nothing on!" Gradually this fact is admitted by everyone.

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