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golden calf

[gohl-duhn kaf, kahf] / ˈgoʊl dən ˈkæf, ˈkɑf /


Example Sentences

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The image called to mind the golden calf of Abrahamic religious texts, worshipped by the Israelites to Moses’—and God’s—dismay.

From Slate Jun. 11, 2026

"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

Meanwhile, in the rest of Australia, the fate of the golden calf remains an obsession.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 5, 2023

Since then, the concept of the worshiping of a "golden calf" has become a stand-in for a supreme act of apostasy, the rejection of a faith once confessed.

From Salon Nov. 7, 2020

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




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