like gold dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like gold dust" is an idiom, meaning something extremely valuable, and correctly used in written English.
For example, "His knowledge of the game was like gold dust for the team!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The following correction was printed in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, Wednesday November 22 2006 The consensus in the queue at the Royal Opera House last night was that these tickets - "like gold dust!" people whispered - were even hotter than tickets for the opening night of The Sound of Music.

The Guardian

Some are like gold dust.

The Guardian

They were like gold dust.

The Guardian

And something from 1660 is like gold dust.

Independent

And cars in 1989 Zimbabwe were like gold dust.

Independent

These grants and bursaries are like gold dust.

Independent

Invitations for the 1,300 seats are like gold dust.

The Guardian

A recommendation from Victoria Beckham has got to be like gold dust for any brand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Invitations are like gold-dust; so being on the B-list hurts.

The Economist

What now?! Assistant/associative psychologist posts are like gold-dust, as are most other clinically supervised posts.

The Guardian

Finding a refuge space is like finding gold dust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like gold dust" to emphasize the rarity and high value of something, especially when describing items or opportunities that are difficult to obtain.

Common error

Avoid using "like gold dust" in literal contexts. This is an idiom; use it only to describe something metaphorically rare and valuable, not to describe actual gold dust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like gold dust" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is used adjectivally to describe something that is extremely rare, valuable, and highly sought after. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "like gold dust" is a common and effective way to describe something exceptionally rare and valuable. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to formal and business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to emphasize scarcity and desirability. When writing, remember to use it metaphorically to maintain its idiomatic strength. For alternative expressions, consider "highly prized" or "scarce commodity" for similar impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly prized

Emphasizes the value and desirability of something.

scarce commodity

Highlights the limited availability of something.

in short supply

Focuses on the limited quantity of something available.

rare find

Implies something is difficult to discover or obtain.

much sought after

Stresses that many people are trying to get something.

precious resource

Highlights the inherent value and importance of something.

hard to come by

Indicates the difficulty in acquiring something.

valuable asset

Emphasizes the worth and benefit of something.

like hen's teeth

An idiom indicating extreme rarity.

uncommon treasure

Highlights the rarity and preciousness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "like gold dust" in a sentence?

Use "like gold dust" to describe something that is extremely rare or valuable. For example, "Tickets to the concert were "like gold dust"".

What's a good alternative to saying "like gold dust"?

Alternatives include "highly prized", "scarce commodity", or "rare find", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is 'as gold dust' instead of "like gold dust"?

No, the correct idiom is ""like gold dust"". Saying something is 'as gold dust' is not standard English and would sound incorrect.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "like gold dust"?

Use ""like gold dust"" when you want to emphasize that something is very difficult to obtain or is extremely valuable and sought after. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.