for good measure: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘for good measure’ mean?
The idiom "for good measure" means to do something in addition to what is necessary or expected, often for extra effect or completeness.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *just in case* means to do something as a precaution or in preparation for a possible future event or situation.
The idiom "in addition" means to include or introduce something extra or supplementary to what is already present or available.
The idiom "go the extra mile" means to put in extra effort or go beyond what is expected in order to achieve a goal or provide exceptional service.
The idiom "go out of one's way" means to make an extra effort or to do something that is not required or expected, often to help someone else or to achieve a specific goal.
The idiom "good turn" refers to a helpful or kind action done for someone else with the intent of benefitting them. It emphasizes the idea of doing something good or kind without expecting anything in return.
The idiom "good for nothing" is used to describe someone or something that is completely useless or lacking in any value or purpose.
The idiom "good and" is used as an intensifier to indicate something is very much or completely in a certain state or condition.
The idiom "for this once" means to make an exception or allow something to happen just this one time.
The idiom "for the hell of it" means doing something without any particular reason or purpose, simply for the sake of doing it.
The idiom "for that matter" is used to add a related or similar point to a previous statement or question, suggesting that it is equally applicable or relevant. It is often used to expand on a topic or to indicate that something is true in a more general sense.
Deciphering the Phrase
The idiom "for good measure" is related to several other idiomatic expressions, including "for good," "for good and all," and "for the hell of it." These idioms share a common theme of adding or doing something extra, whether it be for emphasis, thoroughness, or simply for the sake of it.
"For good" is a phrase often used to indicate permanence or a final decision. When something is done "for good," it means that it is done permanently or without the intention of returning. This phrase can be seen as an extension of the idea behind "for good measure," as it suggests doing something extra or adding an extra element to ensure finality.
"For good and all" is another idiomatic expression that is similar in meaning to "for good." It is often used to emphasize the permanence or finality of an action. When something is done "for good and all," it means that it is done once and for all, with no intention of going back or changing it. This phrase can also be seen as an extension of the idea of doing something extra or adding an extra element to ensure completeness.
Lastly, the idiom "for the hell of it" is used to describe doing something simply for the sake of it, without a specific reason or purpose. This phrase suggests a sense of spontaneity or doing something just for fun or enjoyment. While it may not have the same connotation of thoroughness or completeness as the other idioms, it shares the theme of adding or doing something extra.
The idiom "for good measure" is related to other idiomatic expressions such as "for good," "for good and all," and "for the hell of it." These idioms all involve adding or doing something extra, whether it be for emphasis, finality, or simply for the sake of it. While each idiom has its own specific meaning and usage, they all contribute to the overall richness and variety of the English language.
Example usage
Examples:
- He added a spoonful of sugar to his coffee for good measure.
- The teacher assigned extra homework to the students for good measure.
- She always packs an extra pair of socks for good measure when going on a hiking trip.
The idiom "for good measure" is used to indicate the addition of something extra or additional, often done to ensure that something is done to the fullest extent or to avoid any potential shortcomings. It is added as an extra measure to ensure completeness, thoroughness, or efficiency in a given situation. This phrase is commonly used when adding something extra as a precautionary or advantageous action, even though it might not be necessary or expected.
More "Addition" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
