PhrasesHub

Meat and drink

    Definitions

      • something that is easy or enjoyable
        Referring to something that is a source of pleasure or that one finds effortless to do

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Meat and drink

    • John's true passion in life is his job as a sales executive. It's not just a source of income for him, but rather meat and drink.

      To say that something is meat and drink for someone means that they enjoy it deeply and find great satisfaction in it. John derives not just material benefit but also deep personal fulfillment from his work, which is a rare and treasured combination.

    • The politician's relentless campaigning has left him exhausted and hungry. But as he steps onto the stage to deliver his closing remarks, his eyes brighten and his voice gains new fervor. For this audience, this cause, this moment—this is meat and drink.

      This example shows that meat and drink can also refer to something that energizes and inspires a person, especially when it is tied to a particular context or audience.

    • The CEO announced a major restructuring of the company, which sent shock waves through the ranks. Some employees were left reeling, but for the CEO and her inner circle, this was meat and drink.

      This example illustrates how meat and drink can signify something that is beneficial and desirable to a select group of people, even if it is not universally popular or understood.

    • The business owner loved nothing more than sitting down with his accountant to pour over the spreadsheets and analyze the finances. "This is meat and drink to me," he said, a grin of glee spreading across his face.

      This example shows how meat and drink can be used metaphorically to describe someone's deepest pleasures and delights, even if they might seem mundane or unappealing to others. In this case, the business owner finds joy and fulfillment in the intricacies of financial analysis, which is a highly specific and specialized interest.

    • John's passion for football is meat and drink to him.

      This idiom is used to describe something that a person enjoys immensely and is completely satisfied with. In this example, John's love for football is something that is very natural to him, as if he cannot live without it, just as someone might see food and drink as essential to their well-being.

    • Her new role in the company provides her with meat and drink for her ambition.

      In this example, the idiom is used to illustrate how someone's desire or motivation for something is fulfilled. The person in question has been provided with an opportunity that meets her career aspirations exactly, just as someone might receive the food and drink that they need to feel satisfied.

    • The team's relentless pursuit of their goal is meat and drink to the coach.

      This example uses the idiom to demonstrate how utterly passionate someone can become about their work or cause. Just as meat and drink are essential components for sustaining the body, the coach's enthusiasm for his team's progress is not only crucial but utterly necessary for achieving success.

    • The conference provided the speakers with meat and drink for their ideas.

      In this example, the idiom is employed to explain how the conference's environment was conducive to the development of ideas. For the speakers, the conference would have provided them with the necessary resources for nourishing their thoughts and expanding their perspectives, just as meat and drink would provide someone with the sustenance they require to flourish.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "meat and drink" can be used to describe something that is easy or enjoyable, as well as to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task.

    In the first meaning, it is used to refer to something that is a source of pleasure or that one finds effortless to do. For example, "Playing the piano is meat and drink to her."

    In the second meaning, it is used to advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. For example, "Focusing on that project would be meat and drink to him, but it's not worth the effort."

    Origin of "Meat and drink"

    The origin of the idiom "meat and drink" can be traced back to the medieval English period when meat and drink were considered essential for sustenance and survival. The phrase likely originated from the idea that consuming meat and drink was necessary for physical well-being, and therefore something that was easy or enjoyable could be likened to these basic necessities.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to encompass not only the idea of something being easy or enjoyable but also as a cautionary phrase to discourage certain actions. The dual meanings of the idiom reflect its historical roots in both sustenance and advisement.