hungry for gold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hungry for gold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or ambition for wealth or material gain. Example: "After years of hard work, he was finally hungry for gold and sought out new investment opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is especially hungry for gold.

The New Yorker

My priorities were reversed, because I wasn't that hungry for gold.

The New York Times - Arts

What we get at first is a back story from a posthumously published Tolkien work explaining how a blight fell on the underground city of Erebor when fire-breathing dragons, hungry for gold, attacked it, driving its dwarf inhabitants into exile.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"My dream is Olympic gold and being a bronze medallist has made me hungry for that gold, because it has made me realise I can do it.

BBC

With their nation hungry for a gold medal after the baseball team was shocked by the United States, with their countrymen waking up to watch their beloved women's team play in the early morning hours, the Cubans felt the weight of the moment.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm hungry for Olympic gold next year and Malcolm is the sort of guy who will keep me in check.

BBC

So I think that I could speak for my teammates and say that's what everyone wants, especially coming off a World Cup final loss and coming home with the silver medal, we're even hungrier for the gold medal.

The New York Times

The gold-seekers I met seemed broke, hungry and mostly bereft of the one thing they had come here for: gold.

Independent

Going For Gold.

Forbes

It's pure gold to mainstream television networks that push voyeuristic sensationalism to an audience hungry for car accidents, home invasions, shootings, and dogs on surfboards. .

Vice

Not hungry for dinner?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports or competitive scenarios, consider alternative phrasing such as "hungry for the gold medal" or similar phrases such as "eager for victory" instead to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "hungry for gold" too literally in contemporary settings unless the context specifically involves mining, treasure hunting, or a symbolic pursuit of wealth. Overusing it might sound anachronistic or overly dramatic when discussing modern financial ambitions. Opt for more contemporary phrases, such as "seeking financial success" or "pursuing wealth" in most modern contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hungry for gold" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (either explicitly stated or implied) to describe its intense desire for wealth. Ludwig AI confirms its use in denoting a strong craving. For instance, dragons can be described as "hungry for gold".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hungry for gold" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong desire for wealth, often implying greed or ambition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe a strong desire for wealth or material gain. Although its usage is relatively uncommon, it appears across various reliable news and media sources like The New York Times and BBC. When using this phrase, consider its potential connotations and the appropriateness of its figurative meaning in contemporary contexts, as it might sound anachronistic in modern financial discussions. Consider alternatives phrases such as "seeking financial success".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Thirsty for gold

Similar to "hungry", but can imply a more desperate need.

Having a craving for gold

Implies a strong and irresistible desire.

Greedy for gold

Emphasizes a more negative connotation of excessive desire.

Eager for gold

Suggests a more enthusiastic and less intense desire.

Desirous of gold

A more formal way of expressing a longing for gold.

Longing for gold

Emphasizes a deep, emotional yearning.

Ambitious for wealth

Focuses on the broader concept of wealth rather than just gold.

Aspiring to possess gold

Highlights the goal of acquiring gold.

Driven by the pursuit of gold

Highlights the motivation and active chase.

Seeking riches

More general, referring to wealth instead of gold.

FAQs

How can I use "hungry for gold" in a sentence?

You can use "hungry for gold" to describe someone or something with a strong desire for wealth or material gain. For example: "The dragon was "hungry for gold" and guarded its treasure fiercely."

What are some alternatives to "hungry for gold"?

Some alternatives include "greedy for gold", "eager for wealth", or "thirsty for riches". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hungry for gold" an idiom?

Yes, "hungry for gold" can be considered an idiom, as it's a figurative expression that describes a strong desire or ambition for wealth. While the literal meaning involves a need for food, the idiomatic meaning refers to a craving for riches.

In what kind of contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "hungry for gold"?

The phrase "hungry for gold" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a strong, perhaps even obsessive, desire for wealth, especially when gold is a symbol of that wealth. This might include historical narratives, fantasy stories, or discussions of economic greed. Consider the connotations before using it in modern business contexts; alternatives like "seeking financial success" may be more suitable.