the salt of the earth


the salt of the earth

A person or group that is regarded as genuine, unpretentious, and morally sound. This phrase is typically complimentary. Don't worry, even with all his success, Robert is still the salt of the earth. He donates most of his salary to charity and volunteers weekly at the hospital.See also: earth, of, salt

salt of the earth

Fig. the most worthy of people; a very good or worthy person. (A biblical reference, Matthew 5:13.) Mrs. Jones is the salt of the earth. She is the first to help anyone in trouble. Frank's mother is the salt of the earth. She has five children of her own and yet fosters three others.See also: earth, of, salt

salt of the earth, the

The best or noblest of their kind, as in These campers are the salt of the earth. This metaphoric term was used by Jesus for those who were persecuted for being loyal to him (Matthew 5:13) and has been repeated ever since. See also: of, salt

the salt of the earth

If you describe someone as the salt of the earth, you mean that they are ordinary, honest and reliable and good. Previously, footballers were seen as working-class heroes, the salt of the earth. She's very good-hearted, the salt of the earth — as Liverpool people are. Note: Salt-of-the-earth can be used before a noun. Most of the people there are salt-of-the-earth, good, working-class people striving to improve themselves. Note: This comes from the Bible, when Jesus is talking to His disciples: `Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?' (Matthew 5:13) See also: earth, of, salt

the salt of the earth

a person or group of people of great kindness, reliability, or honesty. This phrase comes from Matthew 5:13: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?’See also: earth, of, salt

the salt of the ˈearth

a very good and honest person that you can always depend on: Tim’s the salt of the earth — he’d do anything he can for you. OPPOSITE: the scum of the earthThis expression comes from the Bible.See also: earth, of, salt

salt of the earth

1. A person or group considered as embodying simplicity and moral integrity.2. Archaic A person or group considered the best or most worthy part of society.See also: earth, of, salt

salt of the earth, the

An individual or group of people considered to be the best or noblest of the kind. Salt has long been considered a valuable commodity, and this metaphor dates from biblical times. According to the Gospel of Matthew (5:13), Jesus told those who were persecuted for their loyalty to him, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” The term has been so used ever since.See also: of, salt