golden calf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Figurative, Biblical
Quick answer
What does “golden calf” mean?
An object of idolatrous worship, especially material wealth pursued as an ultimate goal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object of idolatrous worship, especially material wealth pursued as an ultimate goal.
Any person, ideal, or thing that is worshipped or pursued excessively and uncritically, often to one's detriment. It can refer to modern idols like fame, technology, or a charismatic leader.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood in both varieties due to its Biblical origin.
Connotations
Identical connotations of idolatry and misguided pursuit.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, found in similar contexts (religious discourse, cultural criticism, political commentary).
Grammar
How to Use “golden calf” in a Sentence
[Subject] worshipped the golden calf of [Abstract Noun]The [Abstract Noun] has become a modern golden calfVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden calf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use possible: 'a golden-calf mentality')
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use possible: 'golden-calf worship')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe the single-minded, often unethical, pursuit of profit. 'The company's golden calf of quarterly growth led to disastrous shortcuts.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, cultural criticism, and sociology to discuss idolatry, materialism, or charismatic authority. 'The paper examines celebrity culture as a contemporary golden calf.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. May be used for humorous or emphatic criticism. 'For him, that new car is a golden calf.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of theological or cultural analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden calf”
- Using it to mean simply 'a great opportunity' or 'a lucky find' (incorrect).
- Using plural 'golden calves' is possible but rare.
- Confusing it with the 'Golden Fleece' (a quest).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from the Book of Exodus in the Bible, where the Israelites, in Moses' absence, created and worshipped an idol made of gold in the shape of a calf.
Yes, it can refer to a charismatic leader or celebrity who is followed with uncritical, almost religious devotion.
It is almost exclusively negative. It implies foolish, misplaced, or morally compromising worship of something unworthy.
They are synonyms, but 'golden calf' is more specific and evocative. It carries the full weight of the biblical story, emphasizing not just worship, but the folly of creating and adoring a man-made substitute for what is truly important.
An object of idolatrous worship, especially material wealth pursued as an ultimate goal.
Golden calf is usually formal, literary, figurative, biblical in register.
Golden calf: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈkɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈkæf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Worship the golden calf”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a glittering statue of a calf. People are bowing to it, ignoring everything else. This image captures the idea of worshipping a shiny but ultimately worthless object.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OBJECT OF EXCESSIVE WORSHIP / DEVOTION IS A GOLDEN CALF. MATERIAL SUCCESS / A PERSON IS A FALSE IDOL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'golden calf' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?