genuine article
Not a fake
The genuine article is the real thing, not an imitation or counterfeit.
The phrase emphasizes authenticity, often with slight admiration: He's not just playing tough—he's the genuine article.
It can describe objects or people who truly embody what they claim to be, distinguishing them from pretenders or knockoffs.
- real McCoyThe authentic thing
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- realTruly existing, not fake
- authenticVerified as original
- trueAccurate or loyal
true blue · bona fide · veritable · original · verified · signed and sealed · credible · certification · actual · proof · indubitable · trustworthy · real deal · validation · carbon copy · card-carrying · pukka · reproduction
- authenticityauthentic, real, fake, counterfeit, bogus
- originalsoriginal, authentic, prototype, archetype, original text
- money idiomsarm and a leg, break the bank, penny pincher, cheapskate, tightwad