hɑːrt əv ɡoʊld
Body Parts
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- A heart made of gold metal
What does "heart of gold" mean?
- A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- Someone who is genuinely good and compassionate
Examples
- Despite his tough exterior, he has a heart of gold.
- She has a heart of gold and always helps those in need.
- My grandmother had a heart of gold.
Origin
Gold symbolizes value and purity. Having a 'heart of gold' suggests one's innermost nature is as valuable and pure as gold. Shakespeare used similar imagery.
How to use it
High compliment about someone's character. Often used for people who don't appear kind initially.
Similar expressions
kind-hearted
generous soul
good-natured
Opposites
cold-hearted
mean-spirited
heartless
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
- bite your tongue
To stop oneself from saying something
Use it in a practice answer
Try "heart of gold" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.