good as gold

good as gold

English

Etymology

In the sense of high and enduring value, with literal origins in trade (currency exchange and barter), where any given currency or commodity may be worth as much as gold or hyperbolically described as such.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

good as gold (not comparable)

1. (of an asset) Of high and enduring value.

   Synonym: goldlike

2. (especially UK, of a person, simile) Very well-behaved (especially of a child); very good-hearted (especially of an adult).
   • 1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 13]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, […], OCLC 560090630:

     But to be sure baby was as good as gold, a perfect little dote in his new fancy bib.

Translations

well-behaved

Finnish: kiltti kuin lammas French: sage comme une image (fr) German: kreuzbrav (de)