golden rose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary/Symbolic
Quick answer
What does “golden rose” mean?
A rose that is gold in colour, often used as a symbol of excellence, highest honour, or rare beauty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rose that is gold in colour, often used as a symbol of excellence, highest honour, or rare beauty.
Something that is of the highest quality, the pinnacle of achievement, or represents a rare and precious ideal. Also refers to the Golden Rose, a Papal decoration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The Golden Rose as a Papal award is more culturally familiar in historically Catholic regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes supreme value and honour. In British contexts, it may have stronger literary/poetic associations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both. Slightly more likely to appear in formal or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “golden rose” in a Sentence
[The/Her/Our] + golden rose[Verb: award/present/receive] + the golden roseas precious as a golden roseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden rose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Pope will golden-rose the cathedral this Easter.
- The achievement was golden-rosed by the committee.
American English
- The Pope will golden rose the basilica this year.
- Her career was golden rosed with that award.
adverb
British English
- The light shone golden-rosely through the stained glass.
- Her voice rang out golden-rosely.
American English
- The trophy glinted golden rose in the case.
- The future looked golden rose for the champion.
adjective
British English
- She had a golden-rose complexion in the sunset.
- It was a golden-rose moment in their history.
American English
- The golden rose medal was the highest award.
- They entered a golden rose era of prosperity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a top-performing asset or a highly successful, unique product launch.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or theological studies discussing Papal awards or in literary analysis as a symbol.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used poetically to describe something exceptionally beautiful.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golden rose”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golden rose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden rose”
- Using it as an adjective (*a golden rose opportunity). Confusing it with 'golden rule'. Using it for common, non-exceptional things.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a common, everyday idiom. It is a formal/symbolic phrase.
Not in standard usage. It is primarily a noun phrase. Adjectival use is poetic/ non-standard.
Its most specific use refers to the Golden Rose, a decoration blessed by the Pope and conferred on Catholic personalities or sanctuaries.
'Gold rose' is more literal (a rose made of gold metal). 'Golden rose' carries more symbolic weight, suggesting the qualities of gold (preciousness) and a rose (beauty).
A rose that is gold in colour, often used as a symbol of excellence, highest honour, or rare beauty.
Golden rose is usually formal/literary/symbolic in register.
Golden rose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊldən rəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊldən roʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A golden rose among thorns (something precious in a difficult situation).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a golden trophy shaped like a rose, given for the highest possible achievement.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE IS A PRECIOUS METAL, PERFECTION IS A PERFECT FLOWER.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, calling a project 'the golden rose' primarily suggests it is: