goldbrick

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: ein Soldat oder Mensch, der sich vor Pflichten drückt oder Verantwortung vermeidet; ein müßiger, nutzloser Mensch; ein goldfarbener Barren, der als Gold ausgegeben wird; oder etwas, das wertvoll erscheint, aber tatsächlich wertlos ist.

A noun with several meanings: a soldier or person who avoids duties or shirks responsibility; an idle, worthless person; a brick‑shaped block that deceives as gold; or anything that seems valuable but is actually worthless.

1. Shirker or lazy personC1informalamerican

   A person, especially a soldier, who avoids work or responsibilities and performs duties with minimal effort.

   Drückeberger

   • The sergeant called the new recruit a goldbrick for always finding excuses to skip drills.
   • He was known as a goldbrick in the office, always taking long breaks.
   • The team couldn't rely on a goldbrick who never pulled his weight.

   Synonymedodgeridlerlayaboutloafermalingerershirkerslackersluggard

   Antonymehard workerworker

2. Idle or worthless personC1informalamerican

   A person who is considered lazy, unproductive, and of little value to society or a group.

   Nichtsnutz

   • The old man called the loiterers a bunch of goldbricks.
   • He was dismissed from the job as a goldbrick who never contributed.
   • Don't be a goldbrick; help us finish the project.

   Synonymedronegood-for-nothingidlerlayaboutloafershirkersluggard

   Antonymeachievercontributordoerearnerproducerworker

3. Fake gold brickC2formal

   A brick-shaped block that is made to look like gold but is actually made of a less valuable material.

   Falscher Goldbarren

   • The swindler tried to sell a goldbrick to the unsuspecting miner.
   • The museum displayed a goldbrick used in historical scams.
   • He realized the bar was a goldbrick only after testing its density.

4. Deceptive or worthless itemC2informalamerican

   Anything that appears valuable or promising but is actually worthless or fraudulent.

   Täuschender oder wertloser Gegenstand

   • The investment turned out to be a goldbrick, leaving investors with nothing.
   • The antique vase was a goldbrick, a cheap replica painted to look old.
   • His promises were just a goldbrick to get our money.

   Synonymecounterfeitdudfakefraudhumbugimposturelemonphonyshamswindle

   Antonymeassetbargainfindgemtreasure

• Sich vor Aufgaben oder Verantwortung drücken, oft indem man Krankheit vortäuscht oder Arbeit vermeidet; ursprünglich ein Substantiv für einen Betrüger oder etwas Wertloses.

A verb meaning to shirk one's duties or responsibilities, often by pretending to be ill or by avoiding work; originally a noun for a swindler or a worthless item.

1. Shirk or avoid dutiesC1informalamerican

   To avoid one's assigned responsibilities or work, often by pretending to be busy or ill.

   Sich vor der Arbeit drücken

   • He was always goldbricking when there was a difficult task.
   • The manager caught him goldbricking instead of finishing the report.
   • She goldbricked her way through the project, leaving others to do the work.

   Synonymedodgeevadeidleloafmalingershirkskiveslackslack offtruant

   Antonymeapplylaborslogtoilwork

2. Cheat or swindleC1informalamerican

   To deprive someone of something through deceit or fraud.

   Betrügen oder Schwindeln

   • The con artist goldbricked the elderly couple out of their savings.
   • He goldbricked his way into the company by lying about his credentials.
   • They goldbricked investors with promises of huge returns.

   Synonymebilkcheatcondefraudfleecegullhoodwinkrookswindle