holy of holies

• Expression désignant la partie la plus sacrée ou la plus intime d'un lieu, souvent utilisée métaphoriquement pour parler d'un domaine privé, exclusif ou hautement vénéré, ou d'une notion que l'on considère comme inviolable.

A phrase referring to the most sacred or inner part of a place, often used metaphorically to describe a private, exclusive, or highly revered area or concept.

1. Sacred inner sanctuaryC1formal

   The innermost and most sacred part of a temple or religious building, especially in ancient Jewish tradition.

   Saint des saints

   • Only the high priest could enter the holy of holies once a year.
   • The holy of holies was separated by a heavy curtain.
   • The ark of the covenant was kept in the holy of holies.

2. Private or exclusive placeC1informal

   A place or area that is considered very private, exclusive, or off-limits to most people.

   Saint des saints

   • The director's office was the holy of holies of the company.
   • He considered his study his own holy of holies.
   • The backstage area was the holy of holies for the fans.