PhrasesHub

À la carte

    Definitions

      • customizable options
        Referring to a menu or list of choices where each item is priced separately, allowing the customer to choose only the items they want and pay accordingly

      • individual selection
        Describing a situation where each person makes their own choice or selection, rather than following a set or predetermined plan or order

    Examples of À la carte

    • The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes à la carte, allowing customers to choose exactly what they want to eat.

      This idiom is used to describe a menu where individual items are ordered and priced separately, rather than being part of a set meal or fixed price menu. The literal translation of the French phrase "à la carte" is "according to the menu card," reflecting the fact that each dish is listed separately on the menu.

    • The art gallery features a collection of paintings that are truly one-of-a-kind, with each piece sold à la carte.

      This example uses the idiom in a different context, referring to the sale of individual works of art rather than food items. The meaning is the same, however, as the phrase still indicates that each item is sold separately and is not part of a larger set or package.

    • The conference offers a range of sessions à la carte, allowing attendees to select the topics that are most relevant to their needs.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a menu of options, in this case a selection of conference sessions. The use of "à la carte" suggests that attendees have the freedom to choose exactly which sessions they want to attend, rather than being required to attend a fixed set of sessions as part of a larger package.

    • The theater company presents a season of plays à la carte, with each production offered separately.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a season of plays, with each production offered separately rather than as part of a larger package. The use of "à la carte" suggests that audiences have the freedom to choose exactly which productions they want to see, rather than being required to attend a fixed set of plays as part of a larger season ticket package.

    • The company offers a range of services à la carte, allowing clients to select exactly the services they need.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a menu of services, with each service offered separately rather than as part of a larger package. The use of "à la carte" suggests that clients have the freedom to choose exactly which services they want to use, rather than being required to purchase a fixed set of services as part of a larger package.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "à la carte" is often used in the context of food and dining, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to customizable options or individual selection in any context. It implies a sense of freedom and personalization, as opposed to a fixed or pre-determined set of choices.

    In terms of food and dining, "à la carte" typically refers to a menu or list of options where each item is priced separately. This allows the customer to choose only the items they want, rather than being limited to a set meal or package. This is often seen in upscale or fine dining restaurants, where customers are willing to pay more for individualized and high-quality dishes.

    In a broader sense, "à la carte" can also be used to describe any situation where individuals have the freedom to make their own choices or selections. This could be in the context of travel, where someone may choose to book each aspect of their trip separately rather than purchasing a package deal, or in the workplace, where employees may have the option to select their own benefits or perks.

    Origin of "À la carte"

    The phrase "à la carte" is derived from French, literally meaning "according to the menu." It originated in the 19th century and was first used in reference to dining options, particularly in high-end restaurants. The concept of ordering individual dishes from a menu rather than a set meal has been around for centuries, but the specific phrase "à la carte" became popularized in the 1800s. It has since been adopted into English and is now commonly used in various contexts beyond just food and dining.