the gold standard

noun

Definition of the gold standard

1 : a system in which a unit of money (such as the dollar) is equal to a particular amount of gold

2 : something that is considered to be the best and that is used to judge the quality or level of other, similar things

gold play

: a yellow malleable ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly free or in a few minerals and is used especially in coins, jewelry, and dentures — see Chemical Elements Table
: gold coins
: a gold piece

standard play

: a conspicuous object (such as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem
: a long narrow tapering flag that is personal to an individual or corporation and bears heraldic devices
: the personal flag of the head of a state or of a member of a royal family

: constituting or conforming to a standard especially as established by law or custom
: sound and usable but not of top quality
: regularly and widely used, available, or supplied