Skip to main content
copper-bottomed

copper-bottomed

7.2
A plan or investment that is certain and reliable
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɑːpərˌbɑːtəm/
  • UK
translation icon : seguro
  • Investors are always looking for copper-bottomed opportunities that guarantee good returns.

Examples

  • The company only invests in copper-bottomed projects to minimize risk.

  • His promise was as copper-bottomed as any she had ever heard.

  • This investment is a copper-bottomed opportunity.

  • I need a copper-bottomed plan for my business.

  • Investors are always looking for copper-bottomed opportunities that promise guaranteed returns.

  • The company only approves copper-bottomed investments to ensure steady profits.

  • You can trust this strategy; it's a copper-bottomed plan that will work.

Synonyms

safe
vscopper-bottomed
  • US
457 2.0

Not likely to cause a loss of money

is broader, covering certainty of claims and plans not only money
reliable
vscopper-bottomed
358 2.7

Able to be trusted to do what is expected

focuses on absolute certainty rather than repeated consistency
dependable
vscopper-bottomed
47 2.3

A person or thing you can trust to do what they promise

stresses guarantee rather than habitual performance
secure
vscopper-bottomed
  • Specialized
31 4.7

A safe place for money that is unlikely to lose value

applies broadly to plans and claims not only finances
airtight
vscopper-bottomed
29 5.9

A very strong argument or plan that has no weak points

applies to certainty of plans and investments not to arguments
rock solid
vscopper-bottomed
  • Informal
27 3.6

Very strong and not likely to fail or be wrong

expresses certainty as a guarantee rather than sheer strength
copper-bottom
vscopper-bottomed
  • UK
7.2

Certain to succeed and be reliable

is the formal adjective form for the same guaranteed idea

Antonyms

43 3.9

Not feeling sure or confident

10 4.3

Not safe because it might fail or break

How Reliable

copper-bottomed
  • UK
7.2
foolproof
44 3.9
reliable
358 2.7
dependable
47 2.3
solid
525 3.0

Surface Forms

copper-bottomed positive

Morphology

copper-bottomed = copper + bottom (semi-transparent) = copper + bottom + ed

The adjective is formed the same way as the literal sense, but the meaning ('certain, guaranteed') is a metaphorical extension and not directly deducible by all learners.

Etymology

Copper-bottomed comes from those real copper-covered ship bottoms that made ships safe and reliable at sea, and people began to use the image for promises or plans. That's why calling something copper-bottomed means it is 'certain' or 'guaranteed'.