For good measure

Definitions

• To add something extra or additional
  As an extra precaution or to ensure completeness or sufficiency

• To emphasize or confirm something
  To make something more convincing or to reinforce a statement or action

Examples of For good measure

• John bought three apples instead of two. He said, "I'm buying these for good measure in case I need a snack later."

  This idiom is used to explain that John is doing something extra, just to be safe or to have a backup plan. It suggests that he may need another apple later, and buying three instead of two ensures that he will have enough.

• The boss asked everyone to stay an extra half-hour tonight. She said, "I want to make sure everything is done right for the presentation tomorrow. This will give us some extra time for good measure."

  This idiom shows that the boss is being cautious and wants to make sure that everything is prepared perfectly for the presentation. By asking everyone to stay over, she can give herself some extra time in case anything goes wrong or needs to be double-check.

• The construction workers added an extra layer of cement to the foundation. They said, "We're doing this for good measure. We want to make sure the building is stable and won't sink into the ground."

  This example shows that the construction workers are being careful and doing an extra step to ensure safety. By adding another layer of cement, they can strengthen the foundation and prevent any potential problems from arising.

• The athlete did an extra set of exercises before the competition. She said, "I'm doing this for good measure. I want to make sure I'm at my best and don't have any regrets afterwards."

  This idiom demonstrates that the athlete is preparing herself exceptionally well for the competition. By doing an extra set of exercises, she can improve her chances of winning and feel confident that she gave everything she could to the competition.

• After completing her assignments, Sarah stayed up an extra hour to study for her exam, just for good measure.

  "For good measure" means to do something additional or unnecessary, but with a good reason. In this case, Sarah studied for an extra hour because she wanted to prevent any surprises or difficulties in her exam. It's a precautionary measure taken to ensure success.

• Olivia added a few cups of water to the soup, just for good measure.

  "For good measure" can also be used to describe adding or doing something for the sake of making it better or more perfect. In this case, Olivia added water to the soup as she felt it needed a bit more liquid to enhance the taste.

• During the peach harvest, the farmers picked a couple of extra peaches, just for good measure.

  "For good measure" is often used in agricultural contexts where it's common to gather a little extra produce as a precautionary measure in case of any spoiling, bruising, or wastage during transportation or storage.

• The chef added a hint of lemon juice to the dessert, just for good measure.

  "For good measure" can also be used in cooking and baking to describe adding a little extra ingredient to enhance the flavour or texture of the dish. By adding a hint of lemon juice, the chef hoped to add a refreshing and tangy taste to the dessert.

Conclusion

The idiom "for good measure" is used to indicate the addition of something extra or additional. It can be used in both a literal sense, such as adding a little more seasoning to a dish, or in a figurative sense, such as adding an extra step to a process. The intention behind using this idiom is to ensure that something is complete or sufficient. It can also be used to emphasize or confirm something, making it more convincing.

Origin of "For good measure"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval times. In the 14th century, the word "measure" was commonly used to mean a specific quantity or amount. It was often used in the context of medicine, where a certain measure of a specific ingredient was added to a remedy. Over time, the phrase "for good measure" began to be used to indicate the addition of an extra measure of something, either literally or figuratively.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the practice of medieval merchants adding an extra measure of goods to their customers' purchases as a gesture of goodwill. This extra measure was seen as a way to ensure the customer's satisfaction and loyalty. Hence, the phrase "for good measure" came to be associated with an extra or additional amount.

Overall, the idiom "for good measure" has been used for centuries and has evolved to have different meanings in different contexts. However, the underlying idea remains the same - the addition of something extra or additional for completeness or emphasis.