THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
As good as gold
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very well behaved, especially when describing a child.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The children were as good as gold during the long train journey.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The children were ________ during the long train journey.
Show the answer
As good as gold — Very well behaved, especially when describing a child.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “As good as gold” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very well behaved, especially when describing a child.
Compare: The children were as good as gold during the long train journey.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it warmly and informally to praise a child who has behaved patiently or cooperatively. It is common in family conversation.
More examples in context
- Maya sat as good as gold while her father finished the call.
- Our nephew was as good as gold at the quiet afternoon performance.
Usage note
This lesson focuses on behaviour. In mainly US usage, the phrase can also describe something very valuable, useful or dependable; context makes the meaning clear.
A short conversation
A: Was Ella restless during the appointment?
B: No, she was as good as gold and looked through her picture book.
A: I am glad the wait was manageable.
One more practice question
What does “The child was as good as gold throughout lunch” mean?
A. The child behaved very well.
B. The child was wearing expensive jewellery.
Check your answer
A. In this context, the idiom praises the child’s behaviour.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.