cross of gold
A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The new tax law feels like a cross of gold.”
“This budget is a cross of gold that hurts the poor.”
“Critics argue that the government's latest economic policy is a cross of gold that ignores the needs of struggling families.”
“The city council's decision to cut public transit funding while lowering business taxes represents a modern cross of gold for local commuters.”
“Activists marched through the streets to protest the trade deal, calling it a cross of gold that protects wealthy investors instead of workers.”
“The senator delivered a fiery speech, condemning the proposed legislation as a cross of gold that sacrificed the welfare of the working class for corporate profit.”
first recorded 19th c.
The term originates from an 1896 speech by the American politician William Jennings Bryan, who employed the image to describe a metaphorical crucifixion of the working class. Bryan argued that the maintenance of the gold standard constituted such a cross, and the phrase has since transitioned from this specific economic grievance into a more general rhetorical device.
- 01
black gold
Raw petroleum; crude oil.
- 02
come home by weeping cross
To return in disappointment, or in a spirit of contrition.
- 03
comedy gold
Something that is very funny or humorous.
- 04
cross my heart
A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.
- 05
cross my heart and hope to die
Added to a promise or a statement to show how serious one was about being honest in what one said
- 06
cross off
To strike out; to cross out; to draw a line through.
- 07
cross out
To strike out (something); to draw a line through (something).
- 08
cross paths
To be, by chance, in the same physical place at the same time, as a result of two completely separate journeys; to encounter or meet each other.
Last updated August 10, 2026