an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.
[1350-1400; ME; after Matthew 5:13]
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salt of the earth
The choice few of the highest excellence (from Bible, Matthew 5.13)
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Main Entry: ↑salt
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salt of the earth,
the best people: »
He has been driven to imagining that his sole solidarity lies with a small number of superior persons who have been appointed as the salt of the earth (Edmund Wilson).
Useful english dictionary. 2012.