- A fundamentally good, honest, reliable, and unpretentious person or group of people.
- Often implies someone is down-to-earth, perhaps from a working-class or rural background, possessing basic human virtues.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the Bible, specifically the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13), where Jesus tells his followers, Ye are the salt of the earth.
- In ancient times, salt was highly valued for preserving food, adding flavor, and even for its perceived purifying qualities.
- Being the salt of the earth meant being valuable, essential, and preserving the good in the world.
- The modern usage retains the sense of fundamental goodness, reliability, and value, often with connotations of humility and simplicity.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Real / Genuine
- Good people (Simple, direct)
- Solid (Means reliable, dependable)
- Sound (UK/Irish slang for good, reliable)
- A mensch (Yiddish borrowing, means a person of integrity and honor)
Milder/Standard:
- A good person
- Honest
- Reliable
- Kindhearted
- Decent
More Formal/Emphatic:
- A pillar of the community
- A person of great integrity
- Exemplary character
Situational Appropriateness
- Neutral to slightly informal, but carries a tone of deep respect.
- Can be used in speeches or written tributes.
- It's a strong compliment.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might not understand the positive, metaphorical meaning and could be confused by the literal combination of salt and earth.
- Explain the biblical origin and the associated meaning of fundamental goodness and value.
Examples
- My grandparents were the salt of the earth – hardworking, honest, and kind to everyone.
- The local farmers are the salt of the earth.
- She may not be famous, but she's the salt of the earth, always helping her neighbors.
Dialogue
Liam: I spent the weekend helping out on my uncle's farm.
Chloe: Oh, how was it?
Liam: Hard work, but really rewarding. My uncle and aunt, they're just the salt of the earth. So genuine and down-to-earth.
Chloe: That sounds lovely. It's nice to be around people like that.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Paying tribute to my mentor who passed away this week. A true salt of the earth individual who taught me so much about integrity. #RIP #Mentor
- Tweet: Shoutout to all the volunteer firefighters in small towns. Truly the salt of the earth. #community #heroes
- Comment: Your description of your grandmother makes her sound like the salt of the earth.
Response Patterns
- This is a description, usually met with agreement or positive acknowledgment.
- Agreement: They really are. / That's a perfect description. / Absolutely.
- Positive comment: The world needs more people like that. / He/She is a wonderful person.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After describing someone as salt of the earth:
- Sharing specific examples of their good qualities: I remember once when they...
- Expressing admiration: I really look up to them.
- General agreement and moving on in the conversation.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to describe the character of a person or group already being discussed.
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on salt and earth.
- Typically said with genuine respect, admiration, and warmth.
- They are the SALT of the EARTH.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, but perhaps used more frequently by older generations (40+) due to its slightly traditional, biblical resonance.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.