The idiom “(as) good as gold” is used to describe someone or something that is genuine, authentic, or reliable. It can refer to a person who is well-behaved, trustworthy, or virtuous, or to an item, like jewelry, that is true to its nature or value. This phrase is often used to emphasize the reliability or high quality of a person or object.
Meaning of “(as) good as gold”
When something is described as “as good as gold”, it means it is of the highest quality or is completely trustworthy. This phrase can be used to describe someone who is honorable, well-behaved, and dependable, or to indicate that an object is exactly what it is claimed to be. It highlights authenticity and reliability in both people and things.
Examples of “(as) good as gold” in sentences
Describing a reliable or trustworthy person:
“Mary’s promise is as good as gold. You can always count on her to keep her word.”
“Our dog is as good as gold when we leave him home alone. He never chews anything up.”
Describing something genuine or authentic:
“Yes, this diamond is genuine—good as gold. It’s been certified by a reputable jeweler.”
“The antique vase is as good as gold—it’s an original from the 18th century.”
Describing a well-behaved or virtuous person:
“My children are as good as gold; they always do their chores without complaining.”
“Although he’s young, Tom is as good as gold—he’s respectful and hardworking.”
Origins of the idiom
The phrase “as good as gold” likely originates from the long-standing association of gold with value, purity, and trustworthiness. Gold has historically been considered a standard for measuring worth, and the idiom extends this metaphor to describe people or things that are of similarly high quality or integrity.
Similar expressions
If you want to describe something or someone as genuine or trustworthy, here are some similar idioms:
- “As honest as the day is long”
- “True blue”
- “Straight as an arrow”
- “Worth its weight in gold”
How to use “(as) good as gold” in conversations
Here’s how you can use this idiom in everyday speech:
Describing someone trustworthy or reliable:
“You don’t have to worry about your car; the mechanic is as good as gold and will take care of it.”
Referring to something authentic or genuine:
“The painting is as good as gold; it’s an original, not a reproduction.”
Describing someone with excellent behavior or character:
“When it comes to following the rules, Tom is as good as gold. He’s always respectful and responsible.”
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) good as gold” is a positive expression that describes someone or something as being authentic, genuine, and trustworthy. Whether referring to a well-behaved person or an item that lives up to its reputation, this phrase emphasizes high quality and reliability.
