💖 Heart of Gold, (to have) a
Definition: A singularly kind and good-natured person. This metaphorical term connotes warmth, altruism, and unwavering generosity.
Historical Reference: This timeless idiom dates back to the sixteenth century and was notably cited by Shakespeare in Henry V (1599), in which Pistol describes his master: “The king’s a baw-cock, and a heart of gold” (Act 4, Scene 1). For those perplexed by “bawcock,” it’s Elizabethan jargon for a fine fellow—borrowed from the French beau coq, signifying “fine bird.”
Synonyms:
- Good-hearted
- Kind-hearted
- Generous spirit
- Altruistic
Antonyms:
- Cold-hearted
- Cruel
- Selfish
- Unkind
Related Expressions:
- Soft spot: To show particular affection for someone or some cause.
- Big-hearted: Having a kind and generous disposition.
- Being a saint: Acting with great kindness, patience, and selflessness.
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
- “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop
- “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” — Washington Irving
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Literature: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, where the character Jean Valjean epitomizes a heart of gold after being shown kindness himself.
- Books: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee—Atticus Finch’s character is a paragon of having a heart of gold through his actions and principles.
- Movies: Forrest Gump - Forrest exemplifies an innocent heart filled with unconditional kindness.
An Inspirational Reminder:
“May your heart be so kindly inclined and eternally golden, that the world reflects back warmth in every neglected corner.” — Ivy Inspiraré
May your days be touched by countless hearts of gold, for in the end, it is kindness that remains etched in the sands of time.
