heart-of-gold
/ˌhɑːt əv ˈɡəʊld/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A person with a heart of gold is very kind, caring, and generous. It is often used to praise someone's good nature.
- My grandmother has a heart of gold.
- He may be strict, but he has a heart of gold.
Adinary Nuance
A heart of gold is warmer and more personal than simply saying someone is kind. It suggests true goodness, not just polite behavior. Writers often use it to praise a person's character in a friendly, emotional way.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tấm lòng vàng
- Spanish
- corazón de oro
- Chinese
- 金子般的心
- Japanese
- 金の心
- Korean
- 금같은 마음
Etymology
This phrase uses the image of gold to suggest something precious and pure. It has been used in English since the 19th century.
Common phrases
has a heart of golda woman with a heart of golda man with a heart of gold
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is heart of gold formal or informal?
- It is usually informal and friendly. People use it in speech and writing to praise someone warmly.
- Can I use heart of gold for men and women?
- Yes. You can use it for any person, man or woman.
- Is heart of gold the same as kind?
- Not exactly. Kind is simpler, but heart of gold sounds more emotional and praising.
- Can I say someone's heart is gold?
- No, the common phrase is has a heart of gold.