1.
guaranteed quality; certified; of proven merit
Describes something or someone whose quality, skill, or authenticity has been officially or widely recognized. Used to vouch for the excellence of a person's abilities or the quality of an item.
あの店の味は折り紙付きだ。
That restaurant's food is of guaranteed quality.
折り紙付きの実力を持っている。
They have proven ability.
彼女の語学力は先生からも折り紙付きで、海外赴任にも安心だ。
Her language skills are vouched for even by her teacher, so there's no worry about her overseas assignment.
Composed of 折り紙 (folded paper, certificate) + 付き (attached). Historically, 折り紙 referred to a certificate of appraisal for swords, tea utensils, and other valuable items. When something came with such a certificate, its quality was guaranteed — hence the modern figurative meaning.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 折り紙付きの実力: proven ability
- 折り紙付きの品質: guaranteed quality
- 折り紙付きの腕前: certified skill
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 太鼓判を押す: to vouch for, to guarantee — more active, implies someone is actively endorsing
- 保証付き: with guarantee — more literal and commercial
ETYMOLOGY:
The 折り紙 here is not the paper-folding art, but rather a type of formal certificate used in the Edo period to authenticate the value of swords and art objects.