something of a plum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something of a plum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is highly esteemed or considered noteworthy, usually in a positive way. For example, "The new manager is something of a plum in her field, having earned several awards for her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And he is well enough known in the architectural community so that a call to design a house for him would be viewed by most architects as something of a plum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"…nineteen-seventy-seven Whatthe year that punk rock dIed…".  .

Vice

Connery made something of a habit of declining plum roles, also saying no to Morpheus in The Matrix.

Huffington Post

The plum commission, then, could have been something of a poisoned chalice – Larsson's punk hacker Salander is a character who stalked off the page into the annals of crime fiction: glitteringly angry, instantly compelling and entirely unforgettable.

The Guardian - Books

They should be at least the size of a plum.

The New Yorker

His host returned with a smooth, round object that was the size of a plum.

The New Yorker

"I felt a lump — felt like the size of a plum — in my breast".

The New Yorker

"Her head is the size of a plum.

Los Angeles Times

The roadside flower show, soon to include azaleas, beach plums, honeysuckle and other native varieties, also serves as something of a noise barrier.

The New York Times

The size of a berry, a plum, a cantaloupe.

The New Yorker

The purple-fingerprinted bottle rolled like something ripe in Mingus's stained palm, a plum.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something of a plum" when you want to subtly suggest that something is desirable or advantageous, especially in a professional or creative context.

Common error

Avoid using "something of a plum" in highly formal or technical writing. The phrase has a slightly informal tone and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something of a plum" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is highly desirable or advantageous. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies something esteemed and noteworthy. The examples show it describing roles and opportunities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Arts

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something of a plum" is a phrase used to describe something highly desirable or advantageous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively infrequent and leans towards a neutral register, suitable for news and general discourse but less so for highly formal contexts. When using "something of a plum", consider its subtle connotations and choose it when you want to gently suggest desirability without being overly assertive. As one can see from the examples, this phrase can be useful in describing certain professional or creative opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a desirable asset

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the subject.

a prized possession

Highlights the value and care associated with the subject.

a valuable opportunity

Emphasizes the potential benefits and advantages.

a highly regarded item

Stresses the positive opinion others hold.

a sought-after advantage

Highlights the competitive demand for the subject.

a choice benefit

Underscores the selective and superior nature of the advantage.

a first-rate perk

Highlights the high quality of the additional advantage.

an enviable position

Focuses on the desirable status achieved.

a lucrative venture

Emphasizes the profitable aspect of the undertaking.

a privileged appointment

Highlights the special access or status granted.

FAQs

How can I use "something of a plum" in a sentence?

You can use "something of a plum" to describe a job, role, or opportunity that is highly desirable or advantageous. For example, "The design job was "something of a plum" for any graduate."

What is a synonym for "something of a plum"?

Alternatives to "something of a plum" include "a desirable asset", "a valuable opportunity", or "a highly regarded item". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "something of a plum" a formal or informal expression?

"Something of a plum" leans towards the informal side. While understandable in most contexts, it's best reserved for less formal or technical writing. More formal options exist for professional or academic settings.

What does it mean to describe a job as "something of a plum"?

Describing a job as "something of a plum" implies that it's a highly sought-after and advantageous position. It suggests that the role offers significant benefits or prestige.