The idiom "of the first water" has its origins in the world of gemstones, particularly diamonds. In the 18th century, diamonds were classified based on their quality and purity. Diamonds that were perfectly clear and colorless were considered the highest quality. To assess this, gemologists would place a diamond in water, and the degree to which the diamond's brilliance and purity were retained in the water determined its quality. Diamonds that remained perfectly clear in water were referred to as "of the first water." Over time, this phrase evolved to describe things of the highest quality, excellence, or purity in their respective fields. It is often used to emphasize exceptional characteristics or standards.

What is the origin of the idiom "of the first water" and when to use it?

c9399e3860aec4df2b479cf7a9db8082f1d15f471fbd14c03e72892a675ba512

of the first water

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b2YgdGhlIGZpcnN0IHdhdGVy&hash=72ae067d9b9bafa9ba26b41b2a647ef0657c3ab0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b2YgdGhlIGZpcnN0IHdhdGVy&hash=d465df7321b3b658556b0dc0043ba7cc8cf8362f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

Définition et signification de « of the first water » en anglais

Download Mobile App