Definition of family silver in English:

family silver

noun ˌfam(ɪ)li ˈsɪlvəˌfam(ə)li ˈsɪlvə

1Silverware belonging to a particular family, handed down from generation to generation, especially as an heirloom.
2Figurative informal. Something considered to be of great value (materially or otherwise); a precious or venerable legacy. Now chiefly: specifically a well-established company, state-run industry, etc., regarded as an irreplaceable part of a nation's heritage. See to sell (off) the family silver.

Origin

Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Douglas Jerrold (1803–1857), playwright and journalist. From family + silver.

Definition of family silver in US English:

family silver

noun

1Silverware belonging to a particular family, handed down from generation to generation, especially as an heirloom.
2Figurative informal. Something considered to be of great value (materially or otherwise); a precious or venerable legacy. Now chiefly: specifically a well-established company, state-run industry, etc., regarded as an irreplaceable part of a nation's heritage. See to sell (off) the family silver.

Origin

Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Douglas Jerrold (1803–1857), playwright and journalist. From family + silver.

词汇	family silver
释义	Definition of family silver in English: family silver noun ˌfam(ɪ)li ˈsɪlvəˌfam(ə)li ˈsɪlvə 1Silverware belonging to a particular family, handed down from generation to generation, especially as an heirloom. 2Figurative informal. Something considered to be of great value (materially or otherwise); a precious or venerable legacy. Now chiefly: specifically a well-established company, state-run industry, etc., regarded as an irreplaceable part of a nation's heritage. See to sell (off) the family silver. Origin Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Douglas Jerrold (1803–1857), playwright and journalist. From family + silver. Definition of family silver in US English: family silver noun 1Silverware belonging to a particular family, handed down from generation to generation, especially as an heirloom. 2Figurative informal. Something considered to be of great value (materially or otherwise); a precious or venerable legacy. Now chiefly: specifically a well-established company, state-run industry, etc., regarded as an irreplaceable part of a nation's heritage. See to sell (off) the family silver. Origin Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Douglas Jerrold (1803–1857), playwright and journalist. From family + silver.
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