ˈɡoʊl.dən ruːl
Colors
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- a rule made of gold
What does "golden rule" mean?
- a fundamental principle that should always be followed
- the most important rule in a particular situation
Examples
- The golden rule of cooking is to always taste your food as you go.
- The golden rule of investing is to never put all your eggs in one basket.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated — that's the golden rule.
Origin
Originally refers to the biblical principle 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' (Matthew 7:12). The term 'golden' was applied by the 17th century.
How to use it
Used both for the biblical moral teaching and, more broadly, for any essential principle in a given field.
Similar expressions
cardinal rule
guiding principle
fundamental principle
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "golden rule" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.