noun

holy grail

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Holy grail (noun) means 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. Example: “A cheap, long-lasting battery is the holy grail of electric cars.”

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.

"A cheap, long-lasting battery is the holy grail of electric cars."

"This foundation is the holy grail for anyone with dry skin."

usually capitalised as Holy Grail In medieval legend, the sacred cup or dish associated with the Last Supper, sought by the knights of King Arthur.

"The romances describe a long, mostly fruitless quest for the Holy Grail."

How to use holy grail

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe perfect thing everyone is trying to find.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in journalism, marketing and reviews; slightly overused.

Memory tip

Follow it with of plus a field: the holy grail of physics, the holy grail of hair care.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

holy trinity gold standard

Common pairings

the holy grail of holy grail product quest for the holy grail

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

A cheap, long-lasting battery is the _____ of electric cars.

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.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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ultimate goal ideal dream prize perfect solution

Related words

perfect goals saint pure ideal preferred filter perfection

Rhymes for holy grail

rail tail pail mail nail sail fail hail jail vail bail wail

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of holy grail?

"holy grail" (noun) means 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.

People also searched

perfect goals saint pure ideal preferred filter perfection