close enough for government work: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘close enough for government work’ mean?
Close enough for government work: An idiom suggesting that something is acceptable or of sufficient quality, despite not being perfect.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "something like" is used to indicate an approximation or estimate of something without providing exact or precise details.
In idiomatic usage, the phrase "good enough for government work" is often used to convey the idea that something is done in a mediocre or subpar manner. It implies that the quality of work produced by the government may be lower compared to other sectors.
The idiom "dead heat" means a tie or equal position in a competition where it is impossible to determine a winner. It is used to describe a situation where two or more participants finish a race or contest with the same result.
The idiom "cut the mustard" means to meet expectations or perform satisfactorily.
An analysis of the idiom "cut it fine": When someone "cuts it fine," they leave very little time or margin for error when completing a task or arriving at a destination.
The idiom "cut it" means to be able to meet a certain standard or expectation. It suggests being competent or successful in a particular task or situation.
An idiom meaning to take shortcuts or do something in a faster or easier way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It is used to describe a situation where someone tries to save time, money, or effort by finding an easier or quicker way to achieve a goal.
An idiom used to describe something ordinary, typical, or unremarkable.
The idiom "close in on" means to approach or move towards someone or something with the intention of capturing or surrounding them, often in a determined or persistent manner.
Bridging The Gap
The idiom "close enough for government work" is a phrase that originated in the United States, and it is commonly used to convey a sense of mediocrity or substandard quality.
The exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged during World War II or possibly even earlier.
One interpretation of the idiom suggests that it originated from the idea that government work is often done according to a set of standards that may not be as exacting as those found in the private sector.
Another theory proposes that the idiom reflects the perception that government work is characterized by bureaucracy, red tape, and a lack of accountability.
The idiom "close enough for government work" is often used in a colloquial or informal context to express a sense of compromise or lower expectations.
It can be used in various situations, such as when describing a solution or outcome that is considered acceptable but falls short of ideal standards.
While the idiom has a negative connotation, it is worth noting that it is often used humorously or to lighten the mood in conversations.
The idiom "good enough for government work" is closely related to "close enough for government work" and carries a similar meaning.
It implies that something is done with a level of accuracy or precision that is considered acceptable in government work.
The idiom "something like" is another related phrase that can be used to convey a similar sense of approximation or compromise.
It suggests that while not an exact match, something is similar to what was expected or desired.
The idiom "cut it" is often used to express the idea that something meets the required standards or expectations.
It can be used to indicate that a certain level of quality or performance has been achieved.
The idiom "a little of something goes a long way" can be used to convey the idea that even a small amount or effort can have a significant impact or result.
It suggests that sometimes, just a little bit is enough to make a difference.
The idiom "all good" is often used to indicate that everything is satisfactory or in order.
It can be used to express assurance or agreement that a situation is acceptable or resolved.
While the origins and precise meanings of these idioms may vary, they all share a common theme of compromise, approximation, or acceptance of a lower standard of quality or precision.
They are often used in informal or colloquial language to convey a sense of humor, sarcasm, or frustration.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "close enough for government work" can be used in a sentence:
The engineer said the measurements were close enough for government work, even though they were slightly off.
After painting the wall, the contractor declared it close enough for government work, despite a few small imperfections.
When asked about the accuracy of the budget estimates, the politician responded that they were close enough for government work.
More "Accuracy" idioms
