copper-bottomed

== English == === Etymology === From the copper sheathing applied to the bottom of a wooden ship to prevent damage from marine organisms. In literal sense 18th century, in figurative sense attested since at least 1807. The British idiomatic use comes from the fact that with Britain being a major naval power, there was always a ready market for copper in ship construction, making it a reliable commodity to invest in. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === copper-bottomed (comparative more copper-bottomed, superlative most copper-bottomed) (literal, especially of a ship or cookware) Having lower parts made of or covered by copper. (UK, idiomatic) Thoroughly reliable; secure. 1807, Washington Irving, Salmagundi: The copper-bottomed angel at Messrs. Paff’s in Broadway. ==== Usage notes ==== Related term copperfasten used with similar meaning, but different nuance – copper-bottomed means “reliable, trustworthy”, while copper-fastened means “secured, unambiguous”. ==== Related terms ==== copperfasten ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== coppered gilt-edged === References ===