copper-bottomed
Adjective: 1. Having a bottom made of copper or sheathed with copper: This describes an object, typically a cooking pot or a ship, whose bottom is constructed from or covered with a layer of copper. 2. (Figurative) Extremely reliable, secure, or guaranteed: This extended meaning describes something, such as a plan, investment, or promise, that is considered very safe and certain, with little to no risk of failure.
The literal meaning is used to describe physical objects. The figurative meaning is commonly used in business, finance, and general contexts to emphasize the solidity and trustworthiness of a non-physical concept. * Literal: Use to describe pots, pans, or ships. * The museum displayed a copper-bottomed kettle from the 19th century. * Figurative: Use to describe plans, guarantees, or financial advice. * The bank offered a copper-bottomed guarantee on the investment. * We need a copper-bottomed plan before we proceed.
- Literal:
- Traditional copper-bottomed pans are prized by chefs for their excellent heat conduction.
- The old copper-bottomed ship was resistant to barnacles and marine worms.
- Figurative:
- His alibi is copper-bottomed; the security footage proves he was elsewhere.
- They were looking for a copper-bottomed opportunity with a guaranteed return.
- The figurative sense often implies a level of security that has been tested or is considered unquestionable. It is a strong, definitive adjective.
- The contract provides copper-bottomed protection for both parties.
- Copper-bottom (verb, rare): To fit or sheath the bottom of something with copper.
- They decided to copper-bottom the old yacht.
- Copper (noun): The reddish-brown metal itself.
- Literal: copper-sheathed, copper-lined.
- Figurative: ironclad, rock-solid, cast-iron, guaranteed, foolproof, secure, reliable.
- Figurative: risky, uncertain, unreliable, shaky, dubious.
- having a bottom of copper or sheathed with copper
- copper-bottomed pots
- a copper-bottomed ship