the crown jewels

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The valuable objects worn or carried by a king or queen on ceremonial occasions, such as crowns, scepters, and orbs.

   Grammar: Always plural in this sense and usually used with "the": the crown jewels are kept in the Tower of London.

   Patterns

   • the crown jewels are on display
   • guard the crown jewels
   • steal the crown jewels

   The crown jewels are kept in a heavily guarded room.

   Visitors queued for hours to see the crown jewels.

   The crown jewels were carried in a golden coach during the parade.

2. 2nounpluralfigurative

   The most valuable or important part of a company, group, or collection.

   Grammar: Used figuratively, often with "the": the crown jewels of the collection.

   Patterns

   • the crown jewels of something
   • be the crown jewels

   The research team is the crown jewels of the company.

   Their art collection is the crown jewels of the museum.

Common combinations

the crown jewels are on display

The crown jewels are on display to the public all summer.

steal the crown jewels

In the film, thieves plan to steal the crown jewels.

guard the crown jewels

Soldiers guard the crown jewels day and night.

the crown jewels of the collection

This painting is the crown jewel of the collection.

Synonyms and how they differ

regalia

Regalia refers to the symbols and clothing of an office or rank, and can include items beyond jewelry.

royal treasures

A plainer phrase for the same objects, but it is not the official name of the collection.

Word family

crown noun

Not available.

Commonly confused: the crown jewels or crown jewel?

Practice

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