PhrasesHub

Enough is as good as a feast

    Definitions

      • contentment or satisfaction with what one has
        To suggest that having just enough of something can be just as rewarding as having an abundance of it, and that one should not always strive for more than what is necessary or sufficient

      • moderation and balance
        To convey the idea that having just enough of something can lead to a balanced and harmonious life, rather than excess and indulgence which can be detrimental

      • equal value or worth
        To imply that having enough of something is just as valuable as having a feast or a surplus, and that one should not underestimate the worth of what they have

    Examples of Enough is as good as a feast

    • Although the salad was simple, with just lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, it was enough to satisfy my cravings. It was as good as a feast because sometimes simplicity is all you need.

      The idiom "enough is as good as a feast" means that sometimes less can be just as satisfying as more. In this example, the speaker found that a simple salad was just as fulfilling as a large feast might have been. The phrase "it was as good as a feast" highlights the unexpected pleasure that came from something that was not expected to be so satisfying.

    • Although Emily's salary wasn't extravagant, she found that enough was as good as a feast. She learned to budget and make her money stretch, finding pleasure in simple pleasures like cooking healthy meals and exploring local parks.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is content with having enough, rather than wanting more or having more than necessary. In Emily's case, she didn't need a large salary to be happy. She valued the smaller joys in life and found that being financially responsible allowed her to enjoy these things more fully.

    • The teacher knew that jamming information into his students' heads wouldn't be as effective as letting them discover some of the concepts for themselves. He provided enough guidance and resources to spark their curiosity, allowing them to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they learned.

      In this case, "enough" refers to the right balance of support and challenge. Giving students just enough help and feedback allows them to learn independently, rather than simply memorizing information.

    • Mark loved hiking in the mountains, but he didn't feel the need to carry a week's worth of supplies for a day trip. Enough water, food, and gear would do just fine.

      Here, "enough" refers to packing only what is necessary for a particular task or adventure. Overpacking can be a burden, both physically and mentally, so it's important to find the right balance between preparedness and simplicity.

    • The team knew they needed to work quickly and efficiently in order to complete the project within the allocated time and resources. They set realistic goals and prioritized tasks, ensuring that enough progress was made to meet their objectives without waste or excess.

      This final example emphasizes the importance of efficiency and resource management. When working within constraints, it's essential to make the most of what's available, rather than striving for perfection or excess. Enough can sometimes be more than enough, as long as it's used wisely and effectively.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "enough is as good as a feast" can be used to convey multiple meanings, all centered around the idea of being content with what one has. It can be used to discourage someone from constantly seeking more and to instead appreciate what they have, to promote moderation and balance in life, and to emphasize the value of having just enough.

    This idiom can also be used to remind someone that they do not need to have abundance or excess in order to be satisfied or happy. It suggests that having just enough can be just as fulfilling as having a feast, which is often associated with extravagance and indulgence.

    In conclusion, the idiom "enough is as good as a feast" reminds us to be content with what we have and to not always strive for more. It emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in life and highlights the value of having just enough.

    Origin of "Enough is as good as a feast"

    The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically Proverbs 15:16 which states "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble with it." This verse emphasizes the idea that having just enough, along with a sense of contentment and gratitude, is more valuable than having abundance and the troubles that may come with it.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to its current form and has been used in various literary works, such as Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". It has also become a common saying in everyday language, used to remind someone to be satisfied with what they have.

    The imagery of a feast, which is often associated with abundance and extravagance, is used to contrast the idea of having just enough. This creates a powerful and memorable image that conveys the message of the idiom.