fool's gold
Katzengold, Narrengold
A mineral or other substance often mistaken for goldA mineral or other substance often mistaken for gold; mainly iron pyrite.
Meaning
2 senses(uncountable)A mineral or other substance often mistaken for gold; mainly iron pyrite.
Katzengold, Narrengold
(figuratively, uncountable)Something worthless that deceptively seems valuable.
More definitions
- a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color
Translations
5 languagesDeutsch
By meaning 1
mineral or other substance often mistaken for gold:
Origin
From the idea that the mineral fools people (especially those who are fools) into mistakenFrom the idea that the mineral fools people (especially those who are fools) into mistakenly thinking that they have found gold. Regarding minerals that were named for deceptive appearance that prompts confusion with others, compare also apatite.
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Synonyms
2 synonymsClose in meaning
- a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color:pyriteiron pyrite
Lessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable