Meaning

Something that looks valuable but isn't, a shiny fake.

Origin

From 14th-century Europe, tied to alchemy; pyrite, 'fool's gold,' fooled seekers, slang by 1500s for fakes. A 1546 English text uses it for vain quests.

Usage Examples

  • That deal's fool's gold; looks good, worth zip.
  • He chased fool's gold with that startup flop.
  • Fool's gold; that car broke down in a week.

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