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# the good book

phrase (noun phrase, «the Good Book», usually capitalised)

«the good book» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday) the Bible.
2. (humorous) a book someone treats as a perfect guide, e.g. a cookbook or rule book.

### In the lessons

A warm, folksy way to name the Bible, heard in sermons, country talk and old-fashioned speech in the US, the UK and elsewhere; it shows respect or a gentle tone. «As the Good Book says» introduces a Bible quote. Jokingly it can mean any trusted guide.

### Examples

- (sermon) As the Good Book says, love your neighbour.
- Grandma reads the Good Book every evening.
- (story) The preacher held up the Good Book and began to speak.
- (chat) my nan quotes the good book at me whenever I'm cheeky
- (joke) In this kitchen, Mum's recipe folder is the Good Book.
- (old film) "Swear on the Good Book you're telling the truth."
- (gossip) He goes to church and knows the Good Book backwards.

### Note

Trap: not «a good book» (any nice book) — «the Good Book» is the Bible. Usually written with capital letters. Some find the jokey second use disrespectful.