PhrasesHub

The salt of the earth

    Definitions

      • a good, honest, and reliable person
        Describing someone who is down-to-earth, trustworthy, and of high moral character

      • essential, fundamental
        Referring to something or someone as being of utmost importance or value

    Examples of The salt of the earth

    • She was truly the salt of the earth. Despite her humble beginnings and lack of formal education, she worked tirelessly to care for her family and community. She was a selfless and honorable person who always put others before herself.

      This idiom is used to describe a person who is honest, hardworking, and has strong moral values. The phrase "salt of the earth" actually comes from the Bible, where it refers to simple and humble people who live in accordance with God's will. In modern usage, it is often used to praise ordinary people who make a positive contribution to society. The example above shows how the idiom can be used to highlight a person's admirable characteristics, such as their selflessness and respect for others.

    • Jane's grandfather was the salt of the earth. He worked hard all his life, raised a family with integrity, and was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need.

      The phrase "the salt of the earth" is used to describe someone who is honest, kind, and a valuable member of society. It comes from the Bible, where salt was a valuable commodity used for preserving food and seasoning it. Just as salt enhances the flavor of food and prevents it from spoiling, people who are the salt of the earth make the world a better place by bringing out the best in others and preserving the virtues of goodness and decency.

    • Despite the difficult economic times, the small town of Mayberry managed to produce several salt-of-the-earth citizens who never lost their faith in hard work and community values.

      This sentence illustrates how the phrase "the salt of the earth" can be used to describe a group of people as well as an individual. The utopian town of Mayberry, which was the fictional setting for the TV show "The Andy Griffith Show," was populated by salt-of-the-earth types who embodied traditional American values. Their solidarity and dignity provided a reassuring contrast to the more chaotic and materialistic world outside their borders.

    • The salt of the earth is a dying breed, alas. In our modern world, where materialism and self-indulgence are the norms, the genuine good Samaritan is becoming a rare find.

      This sentence uses "the salt of the earth" in a different context, as a lament about the decline of traditional values. The phrase originally reflected the belief that salt was essential to life, and that people who embodied the best qualities of the human spirit were indispensable to a healthy society. In modern times, however, when materialistic and self-indulgent values have taken hold, people who are truly salt-of-the-earth have become a scarce commodity.

    • Many men of the cloth were the salt of the earth, but their wisdom and moral authority have been undermined by the scandals that have rocked the church in recent years.

      This sentence illustrates how the phrase "the salt of the earth" can be used pejoratively, as a way of implying that people who were once respected and admired have fallen from grace. In this example, it's used to suggest that the taint of scandal has sullied the reputations of many religious leaders, who were once regarded as pillars of their communities. The metaphor of salt, which is used to preserve and enhance flavor, can be seen as a way of highlighting the disappointment and disillusionment that people feel when they learn that their spiritual guides have betrayed their trust.

    • John's grandfather is the salt of the earth. He grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere and has worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. He's kind, honest, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

      "The salt of the earth" is a figurative phrase that refers to someone who is genuine, honest, and hardworking. This idiom comes from the idea that salt is essential to the earth, just as these qualities are essential to a person's character. It suggests that this person is reliable, honest, and has a strong moral compass, much like the salt that helps to preserve and enhance the earth's goodness. In this example, John's grandfather embodies these qualities and is considered a true gem, someone who is truly valuable and essential to the community.

    • Sarah's neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, is the salt of the earth. She's been living in the same house for over fifty years and has watched the neighborhood grow and change. She's always quick with a smile and a kind word, and she's known for her baking skills.

      "The salt of the earth" can also refer to someone who is a pillar of the community. In this example, Mrs. Johnson is known for her kindness and for being a part of the community for so long, much like salt is essential to preserving the community's goodness over time. She's regarded as a valuable member of the neighborhood and is respected and admired by all who know her.

    • My father is the salt of the earth. He served in the military for many years, and after returning home, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He's a man of integrity, honor, and principle, and he's taught me to always do what's right, no matter how difficult.

      "The salt of the earth" can also refer to someone who has overcome adversity and has become a valued member of society. In this example, my father's military service and subsequent hard work to provide for his family demonstrate his character and values, much like salt is essential to preserving and bringing out the best in any situation. He's regarded as a respected and valued member of society because of his integrity, honor, and principle.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the salt of the earth" can be used to describe a person who is genuine, dependable, and virtuous. It can also be used to emphasize the essential nature or value of something or someone.

    Origin of "The salt of the earth"

    The origin of the idiom "the salt of the earth" can be traced back to ancient times when salt was a valuable commodity. In many cultures, salt was used not only as a seasoning for food but also as a preservative. It was essential for survival and was often considered a symbol of purity and incorruptibility.

    The phrase "the salt of the earth" appears in the Bible, in the book of Matthew, where Jesus refers to his followers as "the salt of the earth." This usage reflects the idea that good and honest people are the preserving and purifying elements in society. Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass the qualities of honesty, reliability, and essential value that are associated with the metaphorical use of salt. Today, it is commonly used to praise individuals who possess these admirable qualities.