Articles explaining the meaning and origin of food-related idioms.
When we say someone is worth their salt, we mean literally that he or she earns whatever reward they get, which usually refers to their paycheck, but can also simply denote a person who is worthy of respect or admiration. But how did salt come to be a measurement of worth? It is very simple. The expression “worth … Read more
To eat humble pie is to be humiliated and forced to admit error or wrongdoing. It is similar to having to eat crow and may also refer to a general drop in social status. Although we cannot be sure of the origin of the latter, we have a pretty good idea of the origin of the former. It … Read more
Today, we use the phrase ‘square meal’ to refer to a full, balanced meal. We might say, “Boy, I’m full. That was a square meal” or “I’m hungry, let’s find a place we can get a square meal.” It basically means a good and filling meal. One good meal is called a square meal but we also … Read more