good enough to eat: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘good enough to eat’ mean?
The idiom "good enough to eat" means something is extremely delicious or attractive, to the point where one might want to consume or devour it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "I could eat a horse" means to be extremely hungry, indicating that one's appetite is so intense that they could consume a large amount of food, even as much as an entire horse.
The idiom "have a bite" means to eat a small amount of food, often as a snack or to taste something. It implies taking a quick break to satisfy hunger or try a small portion of something.
The idiom "good value" refers to something that is worth the money spent on it, providing a high quality or benefit relative to its cost.
When something is described as "good enough for jazz," it means it is of a high standard or quality. This idiom is often used to emphasize that something is excellent or impressive.
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 "good and" is used as an intensifier to indicate something is very much or completely in a certain state or condition.
The idiom "get one's fill" means to have enough of something or to satisfy one's desire or appetite for something, usually to the point of feeling full or content.
The idiom "fair enough" is used to express acceptance or agreement with a statement or situation, acknowledging that it is reasonable or justifiable. It is often used as a casual response in conversations, indicating understanding without further objection.
The idiom "enough to make a cat laugh" means something is extremely funny or ridiculous.
Deliciously Descriptive
In a literal sense, the phrase "good enough to eat" typically refers to food that is both visually appealing and delicious. This idiom is often used metaphorically to describe something or someone that is extremely attractive or desirable.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the story of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The fruit was said to be visually pleasing and "good for food," implying that it was both visually appealing and delectable. This biblical reference has influenced the usage of the idiom over time.
Furthermore, the phrase "good enough to eat" gained popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, especially in British and American literary works. Authors often used it to describe captivating characters, alluring objects, or enticing situations. This metaphorical usage of the idiom evokes the sensory pleasure associated with consuming delicious food.
It is worth noting that the idiom can also be used sarcastically or ironically to convey disapproval or skepticism. In such cases, it implies that something may look appealing on the surface but is ultimately disappointing or unsatisfying, much like food that may look good but fails to deliver in terms of taste or quality.
Another related idiom is "good enough for jazz." This phrase is used to describe something or someone as being of high quality or good enough to meet a certain standard. It originated in the world of music, specifically jazz, where it referred to musicians who were skilled and talented enough to play at a high level. Over time, the phrase has been adopted into everyday language to convey excellence or meeting a specific standard.
Similarly, the idiom "bite to eat" refers to a quick, informal meal or snack. It can be used to describe grabbing a quick bite or having a light meal. The phrase is often used casually to suggest a casual or informal dining experience.
Another idiom, "get one's fill," means to have enough of something, especially when it comes to food or drink. It implies that one has satisfied their craving or desire and no longer needs or wants more. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe being satisfied or fulfilled in a non-food-related context.
On the other hand, the idiom "eat it" is a slang phrase that means to ignore or disregard something, typically advice or criticism. It can also mean to accept a loss or failure gracefully. The phrase is often used informally in casual conversations or in situations where one wants to dismiss or brush off something.
Lastly, the idiom "eat for two" is used to describe someone who is consuming a large amount of food, usually with gusto or enthusiasm. It is often used humorously to depict someone who has a big appetite or is enjoying their meal immensely.
The idiom "good enough to eat" originated from a biblical reference and has evolved to convey the idea of something or someone being exceptionally attractive or desirable. Whether used literally or metaphorically, this expression captures the innate human instinct to seek out sources of pleasure and satisfaction. Through its association with the sensory pleasure of consuming delicious food, the idiom invites us to indulge our desires and cravings. However, it also carries an underlying cautionary note, reminding us that things may not always be as they appear and that even the most tempting offerings can leave us unsatisfied.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "good enough to eat" can be used in a sentence:
- The cake looked so delicious and beautifully decorated that it was practically good enough to eat.
- The fruit salad was arranged with such precision and vibrant colors that it was almost good enough to eat.
- The art installation made of candy was so enticing that it appeared good enough to eat.
More "Food" idioms
