Worth Their Weight in Gold
Our whimsical journey through the world of clichés continues with an expression that has shimmered through the ages, glinting in the lexicon of centuries past and present.
Meaning: Extremely valuable or singularly useful.
Origin: The metaphor dates back to Roman playwright Plautus, but truly began to glitter in Middle English works of the early fourteenth century. Henry Medwall’s prolific line “Nay ye ar worth thy weyght of gold,” penned around 1500, elevated its shine, etching it into the common phrase lexicon.
Similar Terms & Related Expressions:
- Priceless: Beyond price or invaluable.
- Invaluable: Too valuable to measure.
- A Gem: Someone exceedingly precious.
- Worth One’s Salt: Honest and competent.
Humor-filled Quote:
“You’re worth your weight in gold… though I’d prefer you weren’t paid by the pound!” – Anonymous
Proverbs and Common Phrases:
- Every cloud has a silver lining: Even bad situations have some good aspect.
- A diamond in the rough: Someone with potential but lacking refinement.
Notable References in Literature, Books, Poetry, Songs, Movies:
- Books: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson – Ahoy! Who better to appreciate worth than pirates lusting after gold?
- Movies: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – This film delves into the true worth of treasure and human ambition.
- Poems: “The Treasure” by Rupert Brooke – Philosophical poetic musings on intrinsic worth.
- Songs: “Gold” by Spandau Ballet – Jaunt through the 80s with this mellow anthem of achieving greatness and true worth.
Quizzes
Let’s see how much you’ve picked up on this glittering gem of an idiom!
Inspirational Farewell
As we venture through the glittering forests of language and clichés, remember this: words have the power to encapsulate value beyond measure. Treasure the phrases, polish them with usage, and remember that sometimes the most well-worn expressions are those carrying the weightiest truths.
Written By: Gloria Glossory Publishing Date: 2023-10-10
Inspirational Thought: “The language of the heart is best spoken through the legacy of time-honored phrases. As you voyage on, may you find your words worth their weight in gold.” ✨
