Appendix:Snowclones/the real X is the friends we made along the way

English

Etymology

A common TV and movie cliché in which X (commonly "treasure") is discovered to be worthless, and one of the characters, especially the main protagonist, will state this.

Phrase

the real X is the friends we made along the way

1. (snowclone) Used to dismiss X, especially to show disappointment after a lengthy wait.
   • 2019, Baseball Prospectus, Baltimore Orioles 2019: A Baseball Companion, Stylus Publishing, LLC, →ISBN:

     So what you're saying is, the real Birdland is the friends we made along the way? Maybe the Orioles are taking suggestions for that promotional calendar yet.

   • 2019 April 23, A. O. Scott, “‘Avengers: Endgame’ Review: The Real Heroes Were the Friends We Made Along the Way”, in The New York Times‎^[1], →ISSN:

     ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Review: The Real Heroes Were the Friends We Made Along the Way [title]