Allusionary

Decode the canon

Browse

phrase
also: Biblical & Christian

The Holy Grail

The ultimate, perhaps unattainable, object of pursuit.

Origin

Originally the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, said to have been carried to Britain. In Arthurian romance, the knights quest for it; only the pure (Galahad, Percival) succeed.

Modern usage

Used in business, science, and sports for the ultimate prize. 'The holy grail of battery technology,' 'the holy grail of sleep.'

In the wild

A cure for the common cold remains the holy grail.โ€” common usage

Tags

quest
ultimate

Related