golden calf

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Let me say this plainly: this is not a golden calf," he said later that night on X, referring to the Old Testament idol that famously made Moses irate after he received the Commandments.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

The focus on the fate of the golden calf is understandable.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2023

Groaned the bobby-soxers’ golden calf: “Di’nt seem hard a’tall. Ah’m sure Ah passed!”

From Time • Mar. 24, 2015

“We might file this tale between Cain and Abel and the golden calf, parables about the many ways we fail.”

From Salon • May 20, 2012

Trotter sucked in her breath and glowered down at her like Moses at the Israelites’ golden calf.

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson