Symbolic meanings	Popular expressions	Uses and qualities of Gold
integrity compassion generosity goodness	“she is as good as gold” ”a heart of gold” ”he’s worth his weight in gold”	since ancient times, gold has been a measure of value and wealth in numerous cultures gold is found in a relatively “pure” state in nature
excellence the best the ultimate what is most sought after what is most valued	“going for the gold” ”I struck gold” ”a golden voice” ”everything he touches turns to gold” “O, to wear a crown of gold”	gold is the most “precious” of metals gold is the “perfect” metal the ultimate gold is sometimes described as the “superior” metal in sports and other fields, excellence is awarded with a “gold medal
what is most safeguarded what is most protected	“that’s like trying to break into Fort Knox”	gold, given its great worth and value, needs to be secured from the threat of theft
brilliance light illumination warmth spiritual realities	“her face shone like gold” ”it glitters like gold”	gold is a bright, yellow, metallic and luminous metal
maturity purity	“the golden years” ”a heart of gold”	gold is found in a relatively “pure” form in nature gold, like all metals, must undergo a process of “refinement” gold’s physical incorruptibility gives it great “endurance”
utopia ideal existence	“the golden age”	the word “gold” is sometimes used to describe periods in history past or future – that are characterized by peace, abundance, achievement, order, freedom and idealism
wealth success prosperity abundance good fortune	“I struck gold” ”a heart of gold” ”it was like discovering a gold mine” ”golden opportunity” “the Midas touch”	since ancient times, gold has been a measure of value and wealth in numerous cultures gold is the most “precious” of metals
power authority	“O, to wear a crown of gold!”	gold has often adorned the crowns of kings and rulers