Meat and two veg.

Definitions

• simplicity
  Refers to a basic, traditional meal consisting of a serving of meat and two types of vegetables

• routine or mundane
  Describes something as ordinary, unexciting, or lacking in variety

Examples of Meat and two veg.

• For dinner tonight, I made meatloaf with a side of green beans and carrots. It's always been my favorite "meat and two veg." meal.

  This idiom refers to a traditional dinner consisting of a main course of meat (often tougher, less expensive cuts of meat) served with two side dishes, typically vegetables. The phrase "meat and two veg." is often used to describe a simple, homely meal. In this example, the speaker enjoys this type of meal because it is comforting and brings back fond memories.

• The restaurant on Main Street serves up classic meat and two veg meals, with options like grilled steak and roasted potatoes with carrots and broccoli.

  This example shows how "meat and two veg" can be used as a phrase to describe a traditional, simple meal that typically includes some type of meat (like steak) and two servings of vegetables.

• My grandfather used to say, "Eat your meat and two veg, or else!"

  This example demonstrates how "meat and two veg" can be used as an idiomatic expression to mean providing someone with basic sustenance, or forcing them to meet a minimal requirement. In this case, the grandfather is encouraging his grandchild to eat a simple meal that includes a protein source and two vegetables.

• The school cafeteria offers a meat and two veg option for lunch, with choices like chicken and vegetables or turkey and green beans.

  This example shows how "meat and two veg" is used as a menu item, indicating that the meal includes a protein source (like chicken or turkey) and two vegetable sides.

• My mother used to say, "I want my meat and two veg, not just something that looks like a plate of mud!"

  This example illustrates how "meat and two veg" is used to describe a meal that is both nutritious and visually appealing, rather than just something that is plain and unappetizing. In this case, the mother is requesting a meal that includes both a protein source and two vegetables that are nicely presented, rather than just a bland and uninviting dish.

Conclusion

The idiom "meat and two veg" can be used to refer to a simple, traditional meal consisting of meat and two types of vegetables. It can also be used to describe something as routine or mundane, lacking in excitement or variety.

Origin of "Meat and two veg."

The origins of the idiom "meat and two veg" can be traced back to British cuisine, where it was a common and traditional meal. In the UK, it was often served as a standard dinner in households, consisting of a serving of meat and two types of vegetables. Over time, the phrase has evolved to also describe something as routine or unexciting, reflecting the simplicity and lack of variety in the traditional meal. The idiom has become widely used in British English to convey the idea of something ordinary or lacking in excitement.

The idiom "meat and two veg" has also been adopted in other English-speaking countries to convey similar meanings, although its origins are firmly rooted in British culinary tradition. Examples of usage can be found in literature, films, and everyday conversation, where it is used to describe both meals and other aspects of life that are perceived as basic or lacking in excitement.