PhrasesHub

As good as gold

    Definitions

      • being very well-behaved or obedient
        To describe someone who is exceptionally well-behaved or obedient, often used to praise a child's good behavior or a pet's obedience.

      • being extremely valuable or desirable
        To describe something or someone that is highly valued, often used to emphasize the quality or worth of something or someone.

      • being trustworthy or reliable
        To describe someone who can be counted on to keep their word or fulfill their responsibilities, often used in a reassuring manner.

    Examples of As good as gold

    • Sarah's new employee, John, has been working diligently and exceeding expectations. He's as good as gold in Sarah's eyes.

      This idiom means that someone is extremely trustworthy, reliable, and valuable. It comes from the traditional value of gold as a precious and valuable commodity. In this example, Sarah is impressed with John's hard work and performance, and considers him to be as valuable and trustworthy as gold.

    • The restaurant's chef, Maria, is as good as gold when it comes to creating delicious dishes. Her food is always a hit with customers.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's skills or abilities in a specific area. Maria's talent in the kitchen is compared to the value and quality of gold, highlighting how highly regarded her cooking is.

    • The company's new marketing strategy has been a huge success, and the CEO is as good as gold with the board of directors.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe someone's reputation or standing within a group or organization. The CEO's successful implementation of the new marketing strategy has earned him the respect and admiration of the board of directors, and he is now considered as valuable and trustworthy as gold within the company.

    • The dog sitter, Emily, was as good as gold during our vacation. She took excellent care of our furry friend.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's trustworthiness and reliability in a personal context. Emily's responsible and caring attitude towards the dog is compared to the value and trustworthiness of gold, highlighting how highly regarded her pet-sitting services are.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "as good as gold" is used to describe someone or something in a positive light, emphasizing their exceptional behavior, value, or reliability. It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it always carries a connotation of high praise and admiration.

    In the first meaning, "as good as gold" is used to describe someone who is very well-behaved or obedient. This can be used to commend a child's good behavior, a pet's obedience, or even an adult's exemplary conduct. It implies that the person is not only well-behaved, but also inherently good and pure.

    The second meaning highlights the exceptional value or desirability of something or someone. It is often used to emphasize the quality or worth of something, such as a valuable possession or a highly respected individual. This meaning can also be extended to describe someone who is highly talented or skilled, making them as valuable as gold.

    The third meaning of "as good as gold" is used to describe someone who is trustworthy and reliable. It conveys a sense of dependability and can be used to reassure someone that they can count on the person in question. This meaning is often used in a comforting or reassuring manner, highlighting the person's reliability and integrity.

    Origin of "As good as gold"

    The origin of the idiom "as good as gold" is believed to come from the idea of comparing something or someone to the precious metal gold. Gold has long been seen as a symbol of wealth and value, and the phrase "as good as gold" was likely used as a way to express something's high worth or desirability.

    The idiom has been used in English since at least the 19th century, and its popularity has endured over time. It is often used to convey a sense of admiration or praise, and its positive connotations make it a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts.