treasure; precious things; beautiful things
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
gold and jade; treasures; precious things
literaryOriginally refers literally to gold and jade, used in classical Chinese to symbolize wealth and value.
Treat money as dirt, but treat loyalty and friendship as treasure.
This family heirloom is beyond comparison with ordinary treasures.
noun
wise and valuable words; precious advice
literaryUsed metaphorically for advice, teachings, or words of great value.
The teacher's earnest teachings are words of gold.
Precious words of advice benefit one for a lifetime.
Definition
beautiful and ornate on the surface but rotten within; superficially splendid
literaryUsed metaphorically, often in the set phrase "金玉其外，败絮其中" to criticize something or someone that appears impressive but is worthless inside.
That antique is splendid on the outside but is actually worthless.
This person is all talk; it's just a splendid exterior hiding rotten insides.
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This building looks luxurious on the outside but is rotten within, with many quality issues.