Literal translation
He has a character of gold.
Meaning
he has a heart of gold
Explanation
This expression, transparent and close to its French and English equivalent heart of gold, describes a person of excellent, likeable, easy-going nature, linking their caratère, character, to gold, the precious metal par excellence and a universal symbol of great value and rare quality. The image works through a simple transfer of worth: what makes gold precious, its rarity, its shine, its constancy, is lent to the temperament of the person described. The construction with to have, he has a character of gold, presents good character as a possession, a good the person holds. The expression belongs to a broad family of turns of phrase that qualify character through a precious material, a family that also includes variants centred on the heart. It is said in ordinary, warm register, generally to praise someone cheerful, generous, or easy to get along with.