English idioms can be tricky and native English speakers love to drop them into their conversations. English idioms of “colour” are quite common and there are all kinds to express a variety of things. Here we give you a list of 25 idioms with “gold” which we believe you will find useful.
- A golden opportunity
A chance or opportunity that is exceptionally favourable and promising.
Example: When she was offered a job at her dream company, she knew it was a golden opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
- Golden handshake
A large sum of money or other financial benefits given to an employee upon retirement or termination, often as a special incentive or compensation
Example: After decades of service to the company, the CEO received a generous golden handshake upon retiring.
- Golden rule
The principle of treating others as you would like to be treated; a fundamental rule of ethics and morality.
Example: The golden rule is a timeless guideline for building harmonious relationships with others.
- Golden boy/girl
Someone who is popular and successful.
Example: The golden boy of British golf.
- The golden Goose
A continuing source of wealth or profit that may be exhausted if it is misused.
Examples: This job is probably the nearest you’ll get to a golden goose.
- To have a heart of gold
Someone who is very kind, compassionate, and caring.
Example: He’s a really nice bloke with a heart of gold.
- Gold rush
A sudden and frenzied movement of people to a region where gold has been discovered, often resulting in rapid development and excitement.
Example: The news of gold being found in the remote area triggered a gold rush as people rushed there to try their luck.
- Golden age
A period in history or a person’s life when things are at their best or most prosperous.
Example: Many historians consider the Renaissance as Europe’s golden age of art, science, and culture.
- Pot of gold
A great reward or a valuable prize at the end of a difficult or challenging journey.
Example: After years of hard work and dedication, the athlete finally reached the pot of gold by winning an Olympic gold medal.
- Golden touch (the Midas touch)
A special ability or talent to be successful and make everything one touches turn to gold.
Example: Ever since she started her business, she seemed to have the golden touch, turning every venture into a profitable one
- As good as gold
Used to describe someone who is very well-behaved, obedient, and reliable.
Example: Despite being young, the child was as good as gold, always following instructions and never causing trouble.
- Gold/golden ticket
A metaphorical ticket or invitation that grants someone access to a special opportunity, event, or experience.
Example: Winning the competition felt like a golden ticket, as it provided the winner with a chance to work with a renowned mentor.
- Golden hour
The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and often considered ideal for photography.
Example: The photographer captured breathtaking landscapes during the golden hour, resulting in stunning images.
- Golden rule of business
The fundamental principle of treating customers or clients the way you would like to be treated.
Example: The company’s success was built on the golden rule of business, prioritizing excellent customer service.
- Silence is golden
Staying silent or not speaking can be valuable in certain situations and may prevent trouble or conflict
Example: When faced with false accusations, he remembered the saying “silence is golden” and chose not to respond to the rumours.
- Go for gold
To strive for the highest level of achievement or success, often used in the context of competitions or goals.
Example: The team trained hard for months, determined to go for the gold in the upcoming championship
- Gold standard
The best or most reliable standard by which to judge or measure something.
Example: This brand’s customer service is often regarded as the gold standard in the industry.
- Gold mine
A source of great wealth or abundance, either in terms of money, information, or opportunities.
Example: The new technology has opened up a gold mine of data, providing valuable insights for businesses
- Fool´s gold
Something that appears valuable or genuine but is actually worthless or deceptive.
Example: The offer seemed too good to be true, and it turned out to be fool’s gold – a scam.
- Gold brick
To avoid work or shirk responsibilities, often pretending to be busy or productive.
Example: Some employees tend to goldbrick, leaving others to pick up the slack.
- Gold digger
A person who is primarily interested in someone’s wealth or financial status, often for personal gain rather than genuine love or affection.
Example: He suspected that the woman he was dating was a gold digger because she always seemed more interested in his expensive gifts than in him as a person
- Worth its weight in gold
Something that is extremely valuable and worth a lot.
Example: Her grandmother’s antique watch may not be flashy, but it’s worth its weight in gold due to its sentimental value and historical significance
- All that glitters is not gold
Things that appear attractive or valuable may not always be as good as they seem. Appearances can be deceiving.
Example: The new restaurant looked very fancy, but the food turned out to be disappointing. All that glitters is not gold.
- Strike gold
To discover something valuable or to achieve great success unexpectedly.
Example: The young entrepreneur struck gold with her innovative app, which became an overnight sensation
- Golden parachute
A large payment or other financial compensation guaranteed to a company executive if they should be dismissed as a result of a merger or takeover.
Example: I negotiated a large golden parachute when I came to America
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