The phrase derives from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13) Jesus meant that the common people he was addressing – fishermen, shepherds, laborers – were worthy and virtuous. He was alluding, not to the tang of salt, but to its value.

: a very good and honest person or group of people. These folks are the salt of the earth.

very good, honest, and reasonable, and not thinking you are special in any way: They were such good people. They really were the salt of the earth. He was the sort of person referred to as salt of the earth: very friendly and straightforward.

The phrase is often used to compliment someone who is down-to-earth and unpretentious, and it is typically used to express admiration and respect for someone's character. Person 1: "I don't know what I would do without Tom. He's the salt of the earth." Person 2: "I completely agree.