poor man's diamond
"Poor man's diamond" is a term used to describe less expensive substitutes for diamonds, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.
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Definition
C1Gemstones
(informal)A synthetic or natural gemstone that resembles a diamond but is less expensive.
Example
- Cubic zirconia is often called a poor man's diamond due to its affordability and resemblance to real diamonds.
B2General
(metaphor, informal)A less prestigious or cheaper substitute for a more valuable item.
Example
- The budget smartphone is seen as a poor man's diamond compared to the latest high-end models.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "poor man's diamond":
black diamondpoor man's caviarpoor man's steakpoor man's pepperdiamond in the roughfool's golddiamond ringpoor man's butterdiamond twill