jewel in the crown

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiomfigurativeapproving

   The best, most valuable or most admired part of a larger collection, organization or achievement.

   Grammar: A noun phrase, used with 'the' and often followed by 'of': the jewel in the crown of the city's museums.

   Patterns

   • the jewel in the crown of something
   • be something's jewel in the crown

   The coastal trail is the jewel in the crown of the region's parks.

   For many fans, that final season was the jewel in the crown of the series.

   The new library is the jewel in the crown of the university campus.

Common combinations

the jewel in the crown of

The cathedral is the jewel in the crown of the old town.

widely seen as the jewel in the crown

The festival is widely seen as the jewel in the crown of the local arts calendar.

regard something as the jewel in the crown

Critics regard her second novel as the jewel in the crown of her career.

jewel in the crown of the collection

This painting is the jewel in the crown of the collection.

Synonyms and how they differ

pride and joy

Pride and joy stresses personal affection for something one owns or made, while jewel in the crown ranks it as best within a larger group.

showpiece

Showpiece highlights something displayed to impress, whereas jewel in the crown emphasizes its value and rank.

highlight

Highlight is plain and neutral, while jewel in the crown adds a sense of prestige.

centerpiece

Centerpiece suggests the main item at the middle of a display, not necessarily the finest of all.

Opposites

Word family

jewel noun

a precious stone

crown noun

a ceremonial headpiece worn by a monarch

crowning adjective

being the finest or final achievement, as in a crowning glory

Commonly confused: jewel in the crown or crown jewels?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “jewel in the crown”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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