holy of holies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary, religious
Quick answer
What does “holy of holies” mean?
The innermost and most sacred sanctuary of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, where only the High Priest could enter once a year.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The innermost and most sacred sanctuary of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, where only the High Priest could enter once a year.
A place, thing, or concept regarded as supremely sacred, revered, or inaccessible; the most important or exclusive part of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. UK usage may slightly more commonly retain the literal religious reference.
Connotations
Same core connotations in both. Possibly more frequent in US discourse around exclusive institutions or tech (e.g., 'the holy of holies of Silicon Valley').
Frequency
Low frequency in both, found in similar registers. Approximately equal distribution.
Grammar
How to Use “holy of holies” in a Sentence
[the] holy of holies of [NP] (figurative)enter/reach/approach the holy of holiesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy of holies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
American English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
adverb
British English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
American English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
adjective
British English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
American English
- N/A – fixed noun phrase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The boardroom is the holy of holies where final decisions are made.'
Academic
In religious studies, theology, or history for the literal term; figurative use in cultural criticism.
Everyday
Rare. Possibly humorous/ironic: 'Don't go into Dad's shed—it's his holy of holies.'
Technical
Primarily in theology/archaeology describing the Temple. Not used in STEM fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy of holies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy of holies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy of holies”
- *holies of holy (word order error)
- Using it for merely 'important' without the connotation of exclusive reverence.
- Omitting 'the': *He entered holy of holies. (Correct: 'the holy of holies')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin is strictly religious (from the Hebrew Bible), it is commonly used in a secular, figurative sense to denote the most revered or exclusive part of anything.
'Holy of holies' is the fixed, traditional form. 'Holiest of holies' is sometimes used, but it is non-standard and considered a mistake by purists, as the original phrase is a grammatical construct (the holy place of holy places) not a superlative.
It is formal or literary. In casual speech, it would sound dramatic, humorous, or ironic.
Yes, almost always. It is 'the holy of holies'. Exceptions are rare, e.g., in titles or poetic use.
The innermost and most sacred sanctuary of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, where only the High Priest could enter once a year.
Holy of holies: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli əv ˈhəʊliz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli əv ˈhoʊliz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the term itself is idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two 'holies'—the holiest place within the holy place. Double holiness = ultimate sacredness.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS CENTRALITY / SACREDNESS; SECRECY IS AN INACCESSIBLE CORE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'holy of holies' used LEAST appropriately?