ENGLISH
REFERENCE

jewel in the crown

idiom
Meaning

The most valuable or important thing or person among others of its kind.


Origin

The phrase historically referred to India under the British Raj (1858–1947), the rule of the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent.

Examples
SIMPLE

This historic library is the jewel in the crown of our city.

CONTEXTUAL

The company considers its new research facility to be the jewel in the crown of its global operations.

COMPLEX

While the museum houses many impressive artifacts, the rare diamond necklace remains the undisputed jewel in the crown of the entire collection.

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