PhrasesHub

Whet your appetite

    Definitions

      • stimulate interest or desire
        To increase someone's curiosity or excitement about something, often by giving them a taste or preview of it

    Examples of Whet your appetite

    • Sarah spent the entire afternoon cooking a delicious three-course meal for her dinner party. She wanted to make sure that her guests' appetites were whet before they indulged in the main course and dessert.

      This idiom, "whet your appetite," refers to the act of stirring up or making someone's desire for food stronger. Sarah's goal in preparing a tasty appetizer was to pique her guests' hunger, making them more eager to enjoy the rest of the meal.

    • Mark had been studying for his final exams for weeks. To help himself stay focused during the test, he read over the study guide one last time to whet his appetite for the answers.

      In this example, Mark used the idiom, "whet your appetite," to mean that he was refreshing his memory of the exam material right before the test, in order to stimulate his brain and increase his motivation to succeed.

    • The aroma of fresh-baked bread wafted through the air, whetting the appetite of nearby customers as they passed the bakery.

      Here, the idiom "whet your appetite" is used to mean that the scent of the bread was making people hungry. As the smell made its way out of the bakery, it stimulated the senses of anyone nearby, causing them to feel an increased desire for food.

    • The restaurant's carefully crafted menu wheted the appetite of food critics and diners alike, earning it numerous accolades and rave reviews.

      In this example, "whet your appetite" is used to mean that the high-quality and delicious food offered by the restaurant was arousing the senses and promoting a strong desire to eat. This characteristic was so appealing that it attracted both discerning food critics and ordinary diners, garnering the restaurant widespread acclaim.

    • Tasting a small portion of a delectable dish at a restaurant before placing an order can help you whet your appetite and make your decision of what to order easier.

      The phrase "whet your appetite" is used to mean stimulating or arousing one's desire to eat or drink. In this example, the use of "whet your appetite" refers to trying a small portion of a dish to arouse one's taste buds and make them crave for more, thereby making the decision to order the dish easier.

    • Watching a mouth-watering cooking show on TV can whet your appetite and make you crave for the dishes being prepared.

      Similar to the previous example, "whet your appetite" in this context refers to experiencing a strong desire or craving to eat after watching a cooking show. The show can stimulate your senses by displaying delectable dishes and spices that can make your taste buds tingle.

    • If you're planning to attend a gourmet food festival, it's always a good idea to eat a light meal beforehand to keep your appetite in check, but also make sure you leave some space to whet your appetite for the delectable treats that await you.

      In this context, "whet your appetite" refers to arousing one's desire for food after eating light meals, and not over-eating and feeling full. This also ensures that the person is able to enjoy the delicious treats available at the festival without feeling too full.

    • The aroma of freshly-baked bread wafting through the house can make you whet your appetite for breakfast.

      In this example, "whet your appetite" refers to experiencing a strong desire or craving for food after being exposed to a pleasant aroma. The aroma of freshly-baked bread can make one's mouth water, and stimulate their appetite for breakfast.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "whet your appetite" is used to describe the act of stimulating someone's interest or desire for something. This can be done by giving them a small taste or preview of what is to come, in order to increase their curiosity or excitement. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe the anticipation or eagerness for something.

    This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when talking about food, entertainment, or experiences. For example, a chef might offer a small sample of a new dish to "whet the appetite" of customers, or a movie trailer might be released to "whet the appetite" of viewers for an upcoming film.

    Overall, "whet your appetite" is a common idiom used to describe the act of stimulating interest or desire, often by giving a taste or preview of something to increase curiosity or excitement.

    Origin of "Whet your appetite"

    The origin of the idiom "whet your appetite" can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the word "whet" meant to sharpen or stimulate. It was used in the context of sharpening a blade or appetite, indicating the act of making something keener or more intense. Over time, the phrase evolved to its current usage, where it is used to describe the act of stimulating interest or desire.

    The idiom has been used in English literature for centuries, and its figurative meaning has become widely recognized. The concept of "whetting" one's appetite has become a common way to describe the act of increasing curiosity or excitement about something. Examples of the idiom can be found in various works of literature and spoken language, showcasing its enduring usage throughout history.