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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

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
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • salt of the earth, the
  • the salt of the earth
  • lex dubia non obligat
  • a penny for them
  • be on the straight and narrow
  • keep on the straight and narrow
  • keep to the straight and narrow
  • keep to, stay on, etc. the straight and narrow
  • stay on the straight and narrow
  • stay to the straight and narrow
References in periodicals archive
Nominated for the Nobel Prize, no less than Thomas Mann called The Salt of the Earth "mythical and epical."
The Salt of the Earth
'We are the salt of the earth because Jesus called us by that name and the implication is that we are to bring joy to people.
Adeboye speaks on a 'New Name' at Holy Ghost Congress
"It is not just about Salt Sunday, Salt of the Earth meet regularly to discuss contemporary issues like modern slavery, immigration and environmental issues.
Northwich museum attracts family crowds to Salt Sunday event; Celebration part of Salt of the Earth initiative set up 10 years ago
Then a rugby coach and some random people in the street do a fan dance with the chorus "He is so ordinary, ordinary, down to earth Northern and salt of the earth".
Nice to meet you Andy...now what are your policies?
It was developed at Salt of the Earth's modern R&D facilities, with support from Practical Innovation, Israel, a consulting firm for developing innovative products.
Umami-Essence Sea Salt to enhance flavour
Salt of the Earth Ltd has developed a low-sodium sea salt ingredient to reduce sodium in bakery products such as bread, breakfast cereals and snacks.
Low-sodium sea salt solution
The rocker said: "My dad's salt of the earth, and everything I've ever got, I've worked for.
HAVING Denise Welch and Benidorm [...]
Washington, April 28( ANI ): Broadway star Cuba Gooding thinks that Tom Cruise is a real salt of the earth person that God has blessed.
Cuba Gooding Jr. calls Tom Cruise 'real salt of the Earth'
A champion of the poor and ardent exponent of unity, the German Pontiff was, in many and such capacities as teaching, governing and sanctifying, both a beacon of light and salt of the earth. He has never ceased to offer fresh hope for defeating the forces of tyranny, cynicism and moral relativism, hovering like a dark cloud on the horizon.
A sad development
But at the time of writing, we are in the dark and hoping to see an Olympian, a salt of the earth bloke, a soap star, someone who's only there for the scandal factor, a battle-axe actress and a couple who look good in a cossie.
best on the box
JESUS told his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13).
thought for the day
"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?" This question begins the gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 6, 2011
He was a wonderful human being, hilarious, and the salt of the earth.
A wonderful man; LETTERS
Paul Hegarty is the salt of the earth. Heroic player, former Scotland captain, respected coach, all-round good guy.
Daggers are out for Hegs
"European Peasant Cookery" is a guide to the cuisine of the salt of the earth of classical Europe.
European Peasant Cookery