heart of gold
Meaning
A very kind, generous, and well-intentioned nature, even if someone seems tough or flawed otherwise.
Origin
Uses the long-standing metaphor of gold as something precious and pure; recorded in English for centuries (often linked to Shakespearean-era usage), contrasting outward appearance with inner goodness.
Notes
A warm compliment for someone genuinely kind and generous, often contrasting a rough exterior with inner goodness. Common in everyday speech.
Examples
-
Despite his tough exterior, Marcus has a heart of gold and always helps his neighbors.
-
She may complain a lot, but sheβs got a heart of gold when it counts.
-
The old coach had a heart of gold, mentoring kids who had nowhere else to go.
-
If you ask me, anyone who volunteers every weekend has a heart of gold.
-
He pretended not to care, but his heart of gold showed when he paid her hospital bill.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as βa heart of goldβ after verbs like have/has or in apposition: βShe has a heart of gold.β Article is typically βa.β Often preceded by βaβ or βtheβ depending on context.
Synonyms
- kind-hearted
- big-hearted
- good-hearted
- soft-hearted
Antonyms
- heart of stone
- cold-hearted
- hard-hearted