What does the gold brick nyt crossword clue mean?

[Olive]

The gold brick nyt crossword clue is throwing me off. I’m unsure if it’s meant literally or as slang.
Looking for insight.

 

[SK_Tech]

In NYT crossword clues, a gold brick is often a piece of junk or a fake that is being disguised as something valuable, or a character who is avoiding work or shying away from taking responsibility. The precise sense may vary according to the context of the puzzle, but it is frequently a metaphorical expression rather than an actual gold bar.

 

[Pedro]

In crossword puzzles, a gold brick is normally identified with IDLER, which means a person who does not work or allows himself to be busy doing nothing. It may also give hints at laziness or deceit depending on the context of the puzzle.

 

[Audrey]

The term gold brick often refers to a swindle, fake, or con in time-honored NYT crosswords the thing that appears useful but is actually useless or a person who is not working, but is faking usefulness.