appetite comes with eating: Idiom Meaning and Origin

In the idiom "appetite comes with eating," the word "appetite" refers to a desire or hunger for something. It can be any kind of desire, not just for food. The word "eating" refers to the act of consuming food. This idiom is used to convey the idea that one's desire for something increases or develops as they actually indulge in it.

Imagine someone who is hesitant to try a new type of food. They may have reservations and doubts about its taste or quality. However, once they take a bite and experience the flavor firsthand, their initial doubts may be replaced by an increased desire to consume more of that food. This is a perfect example of how the idiom "appetite comes with eating" works. It means that by actively engaging in the experience or indulging in the desired object, one's initial reservations or uncertainties can be overcome and replaced with a growing desire for more.

But it's not just about food. This idiom can be applied to various aspects of life. It can be used to convey the notion that in order to fully understand or appreciate something, one must actively participate in it. This participation allows for a deeper understanding and a growing desire for more. It could be trying out a new hobby, exploring different cultures, or even pursuing personal goals. The idiom serves as a reminder that initial hesitation or lack of interest can give way to a craving for more once one engages in the experience.

The idiom "appetite comes with eating" is believed to have originated from the French proverb "l'appétit vient en mangeant." This proverb, which translates to "the appetite comes while eating," has been used in French literature and conversations since at least the 16th century. Its usage in English can be traced back to the 17th century, and it has found its place in various literary works and idiomatic expressions.

Now, let's take a closer look at some related idioms that are often used alongside "appetite comes with eating."

The idiom "bite to eat" is used to refer to a small meal or snack. It means having a quick bite of food, often to satisfy hunger. This idiom can be related to "appetite comes with eating" in the sense that when one takes a bite of food, it can lead to an increased desire for more. It's like the spark that ignites the appetite.

Another related idiom is "can't get enough." This idiom is used to express a strong desire or craving for something. It can be applied to various situations, such as when someone loves a particular type of food and just can't seem to get enough of it. This idiom is connected to "appetite comes with eating" because, as one indulges in the desired object or experience, the appetite or desire for it grows stronger.

Similarly, the idiom "get one's fill" is used to describe the act of satisfying one's appetite or desire for something. It means consuming enough of something to feel satisfied or fulfilled. This idiom relates to "appetite comes with eating" because the more one indulges in something, the more they can satisfy their appetite or desire for it.

The final related idiom is "good enough to eat." This idiom is used to describe something that looks extremely appealing, as if it could be consumed as food. It's often used to compliment the appearance of something, such as a beautiful cake that looks so delicious you just want to eat it. This idiom connects to "appetite comes with eating" because it highlights the idea that the more visually appealing something is, the stronger the desire or appetite for it becomes.

The idiom "appetite comes with eating" conveys the idea that one's desire or interest in something grows or develops as they actively engage in it. It can be applied to various aspects of life, not just food-related scenarios. By indulging in the desired object or experience, one's initial reservations or uncertainties can be surpassed, leading to a deeper understanding and an increased desire for more. When exploring this idiom, we can also see its connection to other related idioms such as "bite to eat," "can't get enough," "get one's fill," and "good enough to eat." These idioms further emphasize the idea that engaging in an experience or indulging in something leads to an increased desire or appetite for it.