holy grail
4 synonyms for holy grail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something that is searched for with great determination because it would be the perfect solution or the ultimate prize, and that is usually very hard or impossible to find.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ultimate goal
dream prize
perfect solution
How to use holy grail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the holy grail of
holy grail product
quest for the holy grail
Neutral and very common in journalism, marketing and reviews; slightly overused.
Etymology
Grail comes from Old French graal, meaning a dish or bowl, used in medieval romance for the sacred vessel sought by King Arthur's knights.
Full origin of holy grail →Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to call something the holy grail?
It means the thing is the best possible version of what people are looking for, and that finding it has proved very difficult. The phrase implies a long search as much as a high standard.
Is the Holy Grail a cup or a dish?
Medieval sources disagree. Early French romance describes a serving dish, while later tradition settles on the cup used at the Last Supper, which is the version most people picture today.
Should holy grail be capitalised?
Capitalise Holy Grail when you mean the legendary object. Use lower case for the everyday figurative sense, as in the holy grail of skincare.
