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[0261] Solid gold

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English Idioms
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Explanation

  • Means something is excellent, of the highest quality, reliable, or genuinely valuable.
  • Often implies authenticity and trustworthiness, like actual solid gold compared to something plated or fake.

Origin

  • A literal description (solid gold vs. gold-plated) used metaphorically. Gold has historically represented wealth, purity, value, and excellence.
  • Using solid gold emphasizes that the quality is genuine and goes all the way through, not just superficial. Likely popularized in the 20th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Pure gold (Similar meaning)
  • Top-notch
  • Excellent
  • First-rate
  • Superb
  • The real deal (Emphasizes authenticity)
  • Worth its weight in gold (Emphasizes value)
  • Sterling (Meaning excellent quality, like sterling silver)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Clutch (Slang for excellent and timely/reliable, especially under pressure)
  • Money (Slang for perfect, excellent, e.g., That shot was money!)
  • Gold (Shortened version)
  • The bomb (Dated slang for excellent)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • (Less common to make vulgar, but could be emphasized)
  • Pure fucking gold.
  • Goddamn gold.

Milder/More Formal:

  • Invaluable
  • Exceptional
  • Of the highest caliber
  • Genuinely valuable
  • Exemplary

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal. Can be used in business contexts if the tone is not overly stiff, especially when praising advice, information, or performance quality. Less common than standard adjectives like excellent.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally straightforward. The positive meaning derived from the value of gold is intuitive.

Examples

  • His advice is always solid gold. (Meaning truly valuable and reliable)
  • That performance was solid gold! (Meaning truly excellent)
  • She's a solid gold friend. (Meaning a genuinely wonderful and dependable friend)
  • The information in this report is solid gold. (Meaning accurate and highly valuable)

Dialogue

Mark: I'm struggling with this coding problem.

Lisa: Did you check out that online tutorial I sent you?

Mark: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Is it any good?

Lisa: Dude, it's solid gold. Explains everything perfectly. Helped me a ton.

Mark: Okay, cool, I'll watch it now. Thanks!

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Just found this productivity hack it's solid gold! Sharing with you all. #Productivity #Tips
  • Book Review Comment: The chapter on negotiation tactics was solid gold. Highly recommend this book. #BusinessBooks
  • Forum Post: Need advice on renovating an old house. Found this YouTube channel the guy's tips are solid gold.

Response Patterns

When something you provided is called solid gold:

  • Glad I could help!
  • Thanks, I appreciate that.
  • Happy you found it useful.

When agreeing that something is solid gold:

  • Absolutely.
  • Definitely. Couldn't agree more.
  • It really is.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After describing something as solid gold:

  • Explain why: His advice is solid gold because he's been through it all himself.
  • Encourage use/trust: You should definitely listen to her; her insights are solid gold.
  • Express gratitude or admiration.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes the quality of something specific.

Intonation

  • Emphasis often on both SOLID and GOLD, conveying strong approval or certainty. That advice was SOLID GOLD.

Generation Differences

  • Understood by most generations, perhaps used slightly more by Gen X and Baby Boomers than by younger generations, who might opt for newer slang. It has a slightly classic, enduring feel.

Regional Variations

  • Understood across major English-speaking regions. No strong regional association.
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