Definition

Noun: 1. An object of excessive or misguided devotion, especially wealth or material success: The term originates from the biblical story of an idol made of gold that the Israelites worshipped in the absence of Moses. It is now used metaphorically to describe any person, principle, or thing, particularly money or material gain, that is worshipped or pursued as an idol, often to the detriment of spiritual or moral values.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • For some people, the stock market has become a golden calf, promising riches but demanding constant sacrifice.
  • He warned against making a golden calf of celebrity, arguing that fame is a hollow pursuit.
  • The company's golden calf was quarterly profit, often achieved at the expense of employee welfare.

Advanced Usage

• "to worship the golden calf": To show excessive devotion to wealth or material things.
  • The novel critiques a society that worships the golden calf of consumerism.
• "a modern golden calf": Used to describe a contemporary object of misguided worship.
  • For many, social media validation has become a modern golden calf.

Variants and Related Words

• Idol (n): An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship; a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.
• Mammon (n): Wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship and devotion. (Often used in a similar metaphorical sense).

Synonyms

• False idol: An object of devotion that is not worthy of such reverence.
• Fetish: An inanimate object worshipped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit. (In a non-anthropological, metaphorical sense, it can mean an excessive and irrational devotion).
• Obsession: An idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind. (When the object of the obsession is a material goal).

Related Idioms

• "Worshipping at the altar of...": Showing extreme devotion to a particular thing or idea, often with negative connotations.
  • He was accused of worshipping at the altar of greed. (This is conceptually similar to worshipping a golden calf).

Noun

1. (Old Testament) an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites to worship; destroyed by Moses; it is now used to refer to anything worshipped undeservedly