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Glite Dictionary
scholar of the first water

scholar of the first water

9.9
A very respected expert with deep knowledge of a subject
  • idiom
  • Archaic
translation icon : erudito de primera categoría
  • Dr. Smith is a scholar of the first water in linguistics.

Examples

  • Her reputation as a scholar of the first water was recognized across the academic world.

  • The committee sought advice from a scholar of the first water on ancient manuscripts.

  • Despite his youth, many already consider him a scholar of the first water.

  • Many consider Professor Johnson a scholar of the first water.

  • Dr. Smith is a scholar of the first water, renowned for his groundbreaking research in ancient history.

  • At the conference, we had the privilege of hearing from a scholar of the first water in environmental science.

  • Her insights on quantum mechanics have established her as a scholar of the first water in the academic community.

Synonyms

scholar
vsscholar of the first water
281 4.1

A person with deep knowledge who studies a subject carefully for many years

is judged by highest distinction and exceptional respect rather than general learning
savant
vsscholar of the first water
26 8.9

A person with very great knowledge or skill in one subject

is the topmost expert admired for the highest distinction and excellence

How Distinguished

scholar of the first water
  • Archaic
9.9
scholar
281 4.1

Surface Forms

scholar of the first water singular
scholars of the first water plural

Morphology

scholar + of + the + first + water

The unit 'of the first water' is an idiomatic, somewhat literary metaphor (historically from gem grading) whose meaning 'of the highest quality' cannot be composed from 'first' + 'water' in an obvious way. A B1 learner knowing the individual words would not reliably infer 'highest distinction' without prior exposure, so it is unpredictable from its parts.

Etymology

Scholar of the first water comes from talk about gems, where a gem's 'water' meant how clear it was and the very best gems were 'of the first water'. So calling someone a scholar of the first water uses that clear, top-quality picture to mean a 'top' scholar.