meaning of pedestal

[Learning_English]

The traditions of `Courtly Love' that underly traditional ideals of `gentlemanly' behaviour insist that women should be put on a pedestal and worshipped as pure and motherly and feminine. Modern women prefer to think of themselves as (potentially) having engine oil under their fingernails.
The two metaphors don't go together : they're `like oil and water' (engine oil and a pedestal) - they don't mix.

Please explain the bolds.
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Please let me know if I have made any mistakes in any of my sentences.

[Pamela]

Hi,
I guess “engine oil” stands for a man

they're `like oil and water'- they are not alike i.e. have nothing in common.I believe there is also another similar expression that is on the tip of my tongue but I cannot recollect it now( something connected with 'pole')

having engine oil under their fingernails-having men under their thumbs

put on a pedestal is used figuratively, means to idealize, to honour or worship

Courtly Love-refined love, if I can say so

[Conchita]

[Pamela]

Hi Conchita,

Perhaps, I was thinking in the opposite direction :D Thanks for the amendment!

[Youknowitsme]

I'd say having engine oil under one's fingernails signifies labor, which traditionally has been as still is attributed to men. (For the most part today, and especially in 'courtly love.')

The allusion to oil and water seems quite obvious, as having engine oil on oneself or under one's fingernails is unbecoming to one on a pedestal, i.e. a woman (strictly in the context of courtly love, though).

Being revered (put on a pedestal) doesn't mix with getting one's hands dirty.