lost gem

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost gem" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it as a metaphor for something that could have been valuable but was lost or overlooked. For example, "Although the photographer's work was largely dismissed in her lifetime, she is now recognized as a lost gem of 20th-century art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The same steps were used by the boys for a 1927 film called "Hats Off!" Alas, the search for this lost gem goes on.

The New York Times

In Certain Circles is a lost gem, if you will allow me to say that, and we would LOVE to publish it!" Harrower is experiencing her own "fairytale" moment, as she puts it.

The Guardian - Books

Still, "House of Flowers" developed a reputation as a precious lost gem -- the kind of reputation that by drawing the interest of well-meaning tinkerers can actually do more harm than good.

The New York Times - Magazine

The story behind this lost gem is so famous it spawned its own movie: yet some have questioned whether claims about the film are  true.

BBC

I grabbed it as I do with most things on PPU, assuming it was a lost gem from the 80s.

Vice

He described it as a "radio staple" in 2003, adding that it "remains something of a lost gem" and concluded "Queen Bey spit iconic lyrics like 'I'm that classy mami with the Marilyn Monroe body'".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Rowley has now compiled an album, Guilty Pleasures, featuring these lost gems.

The Guardian - Music

Nor does anyone need to dig through collections of dusty VHS tapes to find a few lost gems.

The New Yorker

They sell online, and say they are making good money.Jane Nissen, who used to be an editor at Penguin, now runs a company specialising in lost gems.

The Economist

Its T-shirts are handmade and printed beautifully to celebrate a remarkable range of lost gems, from Wolf to Ligier via March and Matra.

The Guardian - Sport

Robert Smith always hated Three..., from the sound and track selection to the Polydor-imposed sleeve artwork, and lost gems like I Want to Be Old or I Just Need Myself give you some idea why.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost gem", consider the context. It's most effective when referring to something that was once overlooked but is now being appreciated or rediscovered.

Common error

Avoid using "lost gem" as a cliché. Look for fresh and original ways to describe overlooked or rediscovered items, artworks or people to make your writing more engaging and less predictable.

How to use

Learn how to use "lost gem" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost gem" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subjective complement or appositive to describe something valuable that was previously overlooked or forgotten. Ludwig examples highlight this usage in various contexts, showing how it identifies and characterizes something of worth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost gem" effectively communicates the rediscovery or recognition of something valuable that was previously overlooked. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, media, and various other contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and seek fresh, original expressions to maintain writing engagement. Consider alternatives like "hidden gem" or "forgotten treasure" to add nuance. By understanding its purpose and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "lost gem" to emphasize the worth of rediscovered or newly appreciated entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden gem

Indicates something valuable that is not widely known.

forgotten treasure

Emphasizes the value and subsequent forgetting of something.

overlooked masterpiece

Highlights the high quality and the fact that it was not appreciated initially.

neglected masterpiece

Focuses on the theme of neglect and the high quality of the work.

underrated classic

Focuses on the quality and its failure to be adequately appreciated.

rediscovered delight

Highlights the joy of finding something valuable again.

buried treasure

Suggests something valuable that was hidden or lost and is now found.

sleeper hit

Refers to something that unexpectedly becomes successful after an initial period of obscurity.

unrecognized talent

Focuses specifically on talent that has not received proper acknowledgement.

diamond in the rough

Indicates something with great potential that requires development.

FAQs

How can I use "lost gem" in a sentence?

You can use "lost gem" to describe something of great value that was once overlooked or forgotten but is now being appreciated. For example, "This film is a "lost gem" of early cinema".

What's a good alternative to "lost gem"?

Alternatives include "hidden gem", "forgotten treasure", or "underrated classic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lost gem" a cliché?

While "lost gem" is a recognized idiom, it can become a cliché if overused. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain freshness in your writing.

What does it mean to describe something as a "lost gem"?

Describing something as a "lost gem" means it is a valuable item, work, or piece of art that was not initially recognized or appreciated but is now being rediscovered and celebrated.