basket-of-gold
LowInformal, Specialized (Horticulture)
Definition
Meaning
A common name for a low-growing, mat-forming perennial plant (Aurinia saxatilis) with bright yellow flowers, often used in rock gardens.
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a collection of valuable items or a highly rewarding situation, drawing on the literal image of a container filled with gold.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a horticultural term. Its non-literal use is rare and poetic. It is a compound noun typically hyphenated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plant name is used in both varieties. The metaphorical use is extremely rare in both.
Connotations
In horticulture, it connotes a cheerful, bright, low-maintenance plant. Any metaphorical use implies great, often surprising, value or reward.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined largely to gardening contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] is a veritable basket-of-gold.She planted [object: basket-of-gold] along the path.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Non-standard] To find/have a basket-of-gold: to be in possession of something extremely valuable or lucrative.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. A forced metaphorical use might be: 'The new patent was a basket-of-gold for the startup.'
Academic
Only in botanical or horticultural papers referring to the species Aurinia saxatilis.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in gardening talk: 'I need to divide my basket-of-gold this autumn.'
Technical
Specific to botany and horticulture as a common name for a particular species.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The basket-of-gold display was spectacular.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the yellow flowers. They are called basket-of-gold.
- The basket-of-gold in my garden flowers every spring.
- For a striking contrast, plant purple Aubrieta next to the golden-yellow basket-of-gold.
- The discovery of the manuscript was a literary basket-of-gold for the research team, offering invaluable insights.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, delicate basket woven from stems, overflowing with bright gold coins that are actually tiny yellow flowers.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE IS A PRECIOUS METAL (gold); AN ATTRACTIVE COLLECTION IS A CONTAINER (basket).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct, word-for-word translation ("корзина золота") in non-gardening contexts, as it will sound odd and overly literal. In gardening contexts, the direct translation is acceptable as a plant name.
- Do not confuse with idioms like "pot of gold," which is more common.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common idiom (like 'pot of gold').
- Omitting the hyphens, which are standard for this plant name.
- Capitalising it (not usually necessary unless starting a sentence).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'basket-of-gold' primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standard idiom. The common phrase is 'pot of gold'. 'Basket-of-gold' is primarily a plant name.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor to average soil. It is drought-tolerant and benefits from a trim after flowering to maintain shape.
Yes, but it is very rare and poetic. It would be understood as a variant of 'pot of gold', meaning a source of great wealth or reward.
Yes, when referring to the plant, it is standard to write it with hyphens: basket-of-gold.