“Salt of the Earth” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 12, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “salt of the earth” is a common idiomatic phrase used in everyday conversation. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and find out where the phrase originated from. You will also find examples of how to use the phrase properly in conversations/statements and discover other ways to convey the same thought using literal terms instead.

“Salt of the Earth” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “salt of the earth” refers to someone who is considered to be genuinely good, honest, and unpretentious. It describes a person who has strong moral values and contributes positively to society, often implying that they are down-to-earth and humble.

Salt of the Earth

“Salt of the Earth” Meaning

The phrase “salt of the earth” refers to a person or group of people who are considered to be humble, honest, and good, often regarded as the backbone of society. It implies that these individuals possess qualities of integrity and authenticity, contributing positively to the community or environment around them.

Examples:

  • “The volunteers at the shelter are truly the salt of the earth; they selflessly give their time to help those in need.”
  • “He’s just an ordinary guy, but his kindness and work ethic make him the salt of the earth.”

Origin of This Idiom

The idiomatic phrase “salt of the earth” has been around for thousands of years. This phrase first appeared in Latin versions of the Bible in Matthew, Chapter 5, Verse 13. Since this time, the phrase has been used in various forms of literature and became a wildly proper phrase in society.

Usage of “Salt of the Earth”

  • In describing a community member:

“He may not have much money, but he’s the salt of the earth, always helping his neighbors and volunteering.”

  • Talking about a friend:

“I really admire her; she’s the salt of the earth and treats everyone with kindness and respect.”

  • In a personal reflection:

“Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by people who were the salt of the earth, hardworking and genuine.”

  • In a tribute or eulogy:

“We lost a truly remarkable person today—he was the salt of the earth, always putting family and friends first.”

Related Terms to “Salt of the Earth”

  • Good people – a straightforward term for individuals with strong moral character and integrity.
  • Everyday hero – someone who performs acts of kindness or courage in daily life, often without recognition.
  • Common folk – ordinary people, often implying humility and genuine character.
  • Genuine article – a term used to describe someone or something that is authentic and true.
  • True blue – someone who is loyal, reliable, and honest.
  • Stand-up person – a person of integrity who can be counted on in difficult situations.
  • Heart of gold – a phrase used to describe someone who is very kind and caring.
  • People of integrity – individuals who adhere to strong moral principles.
  • Humble – a characteristic of someone who is modest and does not boast about their achievements.
  • Everyman – a character or person representing typical qualities of ordinary people, often viewed with relatability.

Other Ways to Say “Salt Of The Earth”

There are numerous ways you could say the idiomatic phrase “salt of the earth” and have it still convey the same thought or feeling. Some of the things you can say include he/she is truly a good person, he/she is a treasure to behold or he/she is amazingly good.

Useful synonyms of “Salt Of The Earth”:

  • Good person
  • Good
  • Nice person
  • Great guy
  • Honest person
  • Kind

“Salt of the Earth” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made for a story in the newspaper.

  • “We are forever thankful to the man that ran in the fire to save our youngest child. He is, without a doubt, the salt of the earth.”

A statement made in an article on the internet in response to a story.

  • “It is stories like these that warm my heart and touch my soul. It is good to know there are some people out there who are still salt of the earth.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I can’t believe that you would do that for me!
  • Friend 2: What can I say? I’m a helpful person.
  • Friend 1: I agree, you are the salt of the earth.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: Jenny filled in for me when I needed her the most.
  • Co-worker 2: Yes, she is a hard worker and a good person. She is the salt of the earth.

More useful examples:

  • Your grandmother is the salt of the earth.
  • As one of my relatives said, he was the salt of the earth and the spice of life.
  • Mary is really the salt of the earth. She has neither lied to nor harmed anyone.
  • You should not have cheated a girl like Lisa who has always been the salt of the earth.
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