golden age: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘golden age’ mean?
The idiom "golden age" refers to a period in history that is considered to be the peak or prime of a particular civilization, industry, or art form.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "prime of life" refers to the period of time when a person is in their most productive or successful stage of life, typically in their middle age. This is the time when individuals are at their peak in terms of physical, mental, and emotional abilities.
An idiom that means the final or last gathering or collection of something or someone, often used to express the end or conclusion of a particular event, activity, or period of time.
An idiom meaning an individual or thing that is the most impressive or influential among others in a given field or situation.
The idiom "in this day and age" refers to the present time or era, emphasizing its contrast with the past. It expresses the idea that things have changed significantly and highlights the modern advancements and developments that currently exist.
The idiom "in the flower of one's youth" refers to the period of time when someone is young and at their peak of physical and mental abilities. It implies a sense of beauty, vitality, and freshness commonly associated with flowers.
The idiom "in all one's glory" means to be seen or presented in one's most impressive and grandiose state, showcasing all of one's achievements and qualities.
"Hit the big time" is an idiom that means achieving great success or fame, often referring to someone who becomes very successful in their career or achieves a high level of recognition. It implies reaching a significant, noteworthy position or achieving a major breakthrough in one's life or profession.
The idiom "high noon" refers to the time of day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, often seen as a metaphorical moment of confrontation or decision. It is used to describe a critical moment or showdown, usually involving conflict or confrontation.
The idiom "have seen one's day" means that something or someone used to be great or important in the past, but is no longer relevant or valuable in the present.
Revealing the Epoch's Charms
"Golden age" is an idiom that means a period of time in the past when everything was considered perfect, prosperous, or of the highest quality. It originated from ancient Greek mythology, specifically from the concept of the "Golden Age" as described by Hesiod in his work, "Works and Days."
In Greek mythology, the "Golden Age" referred to a time when humans lived in peace, harmony, and abundance. It was the first and most ideal age, characterized by a lack of toil and hardship, and people lived long and healthy lives. This concept was later adopted and adapted by other cultures, including the Romans and the Renaissance artists and writers.
Over time, the idiom "golden age" has evolved and is now used to describe prosperous or culturally significant periods in history. For example, the "Golden Age of Athens" refers to the remarkable growth and achievement in arts, philosophy, and democracy that occurred during the 5th century BCE.
The idiom is also used to describe other historical periods, such as the "Golden Age of Hollywood" during the 1930s and 1940s, when the film industry experienced unprecedented success and produced numerous classic movies. It has also been used to describe periods in literature, music, and other fields where there was significant creative or intellectual flourishing.
In a personal sense, the idiom "golden age" can be applied to an individual's life. It can refer to a phase when everything seemed to be going well, when one felt their happiest or most successful. It conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when things were perceived as better.
It's important to note that while the idiom is often used positively to describe past periods of prosperity or perfection, it can also be used more critically or ironically. It can imply a sense of longing for an idealized past that may not have actually existed as perceived. It can also highlight the contrast between the perceived greatness of the past and the present.
Overall, the idiom "golden age" has deep roots in ancient mythology and has evolved to encompass a variety of meanings and contexts. It reflects the human desire to idealize and look nostalgically at the past, while also acknowledging the complexities and limitations of such idealizations. The idiom invites contemplation of the possibilities and limitations of the human experience, leaving room for further interpretation and exploration.
"golden years" is another idiom related to the concept of a "golden age." It refers to a period of time, usually during a person's later years, when they can enjoy life without major responsibilities or difficulties. It is often associated with retirement and the ability to pursue hobbies, travel, and spend time with loved ones.
The idiom "prime of life" is also related to the concept of a "golden age." It refers to the period of time when a person is at their peak in terms of physical strength, health, and abilities. It is often associated with youth or middle age, when individuals may feel their most energetic and accomplished.
"gold mine" is another idiom related to the concept of a "golden age." It is used to describe a place or situation that is a rich source of valuable resources, opportunities, or ideas. It can refer to a literal mine that contains gold or metaphorically to any situation that provides great potential for success or wealth.
The idiom "golden touch" is also related to the concept of a "golden age." It refers to the ability to be consistently successful or make profitable decisions. It comes from the Greek myth of King Midas, who was granted the power by the gods to turn everything he touched into gold. However, this gift eventually became a curse, as it prevented him from being able to eat, drink, or touch his loved ones.
The idiom "golden age" has its origins in ancient Greek mythology and has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and contexts. It can refer to prosperous periods in history, personal phases of happiness and success, or the longing for an idealized past. It can also be used critically or ironically. Other idioms related to the concept of a "golden age" include "golden years," "prime of life," "gold mine," and "golden touch." Each of these idioms adds further depth to the concept and invites further exploration and interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "golden age" can be used in a sentence:
1. The 1950s is often considered the golden age of American capitalism.
2. Many people believe that the 1990s was the golden age of hip-hop music.
3. Some argue that the Renaissance period was the golden age of art and culture in Europe.
More "History" idioms
