ENGLISH
REFERENCE

salt of the earth

idiom
Meaning

A person or group of people considered to represent the most decent and admirable parts of humanity.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Ancient Greek τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς (tò hálas tês gês) in the Book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 13.

Examples
SIMPLE

My neighbor is the salt of the earth.

CONTEXTUAL

She always helps anyone in need, so everyone in town agrees she is the salt of the earth.

COMPLEX

Despite his immense wealth and influence, he remained humble and kind, proving himself to be the salt of the earth to all who knew him.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Attic salt

    Pointed and delicate wit.

  2. 02

    come down to earth

    To be brought back to reality; to emerge from a daydream.

  3. 03

    cost the earth

    To be a huge expense.

  4. 04

    covenant of salt

    A long-lasting agreement.

  5. 05

    edge of the earth

    A very remote place.

  6. 06

    go to the ends of the earth

    To do everything possible to achieve something.

  7. 07

    God's green earth

    The world.

  8. 08

    green in earth

    Of a deceased person, recently buried.

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