PhrasesHub

Square meal

    Definitions

      • a satisfying and wholesome meal
        To refer to a meal that is well-balanced and nutritious, providing all the necessary nutrients for good health

      • a full meal
        To describe a substantial and filling meal, often with a variety of food items

    Examples of Square meal

    • The company's recent success has allowed us to provide our employees with a square meal during lunchtime.

      A square meal refers to a complete and substantial meal, typically containing a protein source, vegetables, and carbohydrates. In this context, it means that the company is now able to provide a proper, nutritious lunch for its employees. The phrase "square meal" implies that it is not just a quick snack or a light meal, but a full and satisfying one.

    • I cooked a square meal for my family last night.

      Here, "square meal" is used to describe a wholesome and nourishing dinner that included a balanced variety of foods.

    • The cafe serves up square meals all day, perfect for busy professionals.

      This example demonstrates the flexibility of the phrase "square meal". In this context, it refers to a substantial and filling meal, regardless of the time of day. The use of the phrase "square meal" in this sentence suggests that the cafe's meals are substantial and filling enough to be classified as a "square meal".

    • She wasn't used to eating square meals and often skipped lunch.

      In this instance, "square meals" is used metaphorically to describe a complete and filling meal. The speaker is indicating that the person in question was not accustomed to consuming such hearty or generous meals, preferring instead to skip lunch altogether.

    • "After a long day of hiking, we were eager to sit down to a square meal."

      "A square meal" is an idiom used to describe a substantial and nutritious meal that can satisfy hunger completely. In this example, the speaker is implying that they were hungry after a strenuous day of hiking and were looking forward to a filling and wholesome meal to curb their hunger.

    • "The restaurant served up a real square meal for breakfast. I left feeling full and energized."

      In this example, "a real square meal" is being used to describe a breakfast that was particularly filling and provided the speaker with sufficient nourishment to sustain them throughout the day.

    • "After a week-long fast, we finally sat down to a well-deserved square meal."

      Here, "square meal" is being used to describe a meal that is particularly satisfying and enjoyable after a period of abstinence or deprivation. In this case, the speaker is referring to a long-awaited meal following a week-long fast.

    • "The all-you-can-eat buffet promised a square meal for a reasonable price."

      "Square meal" is being used here as a metaphor to describe a meal that is both substantial and cost-effective. In other words, the buffet is offering a filling and nutritious meal at a reasonable price.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "square meal" is used to describe a meal that is satisfying, wholesome, and well-balanced. It can also refer to a full and substantial meal with a variety of food items. Overall, it is used to emphasize the importance of having a nutritious and filling meal.

    Origin of "Square meal"

    The origin of the idiom "square meal" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Navy in the 19th century. Sailors were served their meals on square wooden plates, which were often referred to as "square meals." The term then evolved to describe a satisfying and substantial meal that provided the necessary sustenance for the sailors' hard work at sea. Over time, the idiom became more widely used to emphasize the importance of having a well-balanced and nutritious meal for good health. Today, it is a common expression to describe a wholesome and substantial meal.