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Meaning & use

true gem

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌtruː ˈdʒem/
US/ˌtruː ˈdʒem/

Meaning

  1. phrasecountable

    A person or thing that is truly excellent, valuable, or special.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a true gem' or 'true gems'.

    Patterns

    • a true gem of a something
    • be a true gem

    The little café by the river is a true gem.

    She helped me move house without complaining — a true gem.

    This old bookshop is a true gem of a place.

Common combinations

a true gem of a
He's a true gem of a teacher.
an absolute true gem
That restaurant is an absolute true gem.
find a true gem
We found a true gem of a hotel on our trip.
a real true gem
Her latest novel is a real true gem.

Synonyms and how they differ

treasure
Treasure is stronger and often used for objects or experiences you cherish; a true gem usually describes a person or place that is excellent.
jewel
Jewel is more literary and often refers to a beautiful or valuable thing; true gem is more conversational and can describe people.

Commonly confused: true gem or gem?

true gem vs gem

A gem is a precious stone or something excellent; true gem adds emphasis that the excellence is genuine, not just apparent.

Practice

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