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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Praise someone as invaluable—or remind a friend that a shiny appearance can mislead.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe article contrasts “all that glitters is not gold,” a warning that an attractive appearance does not guarantee value, with “worth your weight in gold,” a strong compliment for someone or something extremely valuable. It also uses “your word is gold” for trustworthiness.
Cultural note: “All that glitters is not gold” is a proverb, not proof that a particular attractive thing is worthless. “Worth your weight in gold” is warm praise and can sound exaggerated in a playful way.
Keep exploringGold can represent great value, but a shine can also mislead. These expressions let you praise dependability and question appearances.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Separate an attractive appearance from real quality.
Meaning
Something that looks attractive may not be as good or valuable as it seems.
Tone & use
A proverb about judging beyond appearances. A common variation is “not all that glitters is gold.”
Example
“The apartment photos were beautiful, but the noisy street reminded us that all that glitters is not gold.”
Give warm praise for someone’s contribution or reliability.
Meaning
Extremely useful or valuable.
Tone & use
Often said as a compliment about a helpful, skilled, or dependable person. It is figurative, not a literal calculation.
Example
“During the conference, our bilingual volunteer was worth her weight in gold.”
Meaning
Something is deeply valuable to you.
Tone & use
The article gives friendship as an example. The phrase is personal and expressive rather than a fixed formal idiom.
Example
“After a difficult year, her friends’ support was gold to her.”
Use “gold” figuratively for reliability and honesty.
Meaning
Your promises or statements are highly trustworthy.
Tone & use
A compliment that emphasizes honesty and keeping one’s promises.
Example
“You said you would return the borrowed book today, and you did; your word is gold.”
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