B2idiompeopleIELTS-friendly
have a heart of gold
USUK
to be very kind and generous to other people
A warm compliment, often after 'but' to contrast with a strict or rough appearance. Useful for 'describe a person' questions.
In context
My neighbour may look strict, but she has a heart of gold and helps everyone.
Everyone in the village says the old doctor had a heart of gold.
Common mistake
Incorrect: She has heart of gold.
Correct: She has a heart of gold.
More idioms about people
- a pain in the necka person or thing that is very annoying or causes a lot of trouble
- blood is thicker than waterfamily relationships are stronger and more important than any other relationships
- break the iceto say or do something that helps people relax when they first meet
- down to earthsimple, friendly and easy to talk to; not acting as if you are more important than others
- give someone the benefit of the doubtto believe someone is honest or right, although you cannot be completely sure