Article: Exploring Food Idioms

Have you ever heard someone mention an “acquired taste” or describe something as their “bread and butter”? Idioms like these can be confusing at first, but don’t worry; in this article, we will delve into food-related idioms and their meanings.

1. Acquired taste:

Meaning: Refers to something you may not enjoy initially, but with repeated exposure, you start liking it.

Example: Although the food at my favorite restaurant may not appeal to everyone’s palate at first, it becomes an acquired taste after a few visits.

2. Bitter pill to swallow:

Meaning: Represents an unpleasant fact that one has to accept.

Example: Reporting to work late was a bitter pill to swallow, but I had to face the consequences of my actions.

3. Bread and butter:

Meaning: Refers to a person’s main source of income or livelihood.

Example: Pursuing a job that allows you to make a positive impact on society and also serves as your bread and butter is a dream come true.

4. Butter up:

Meaning: To flatter someone to gain favor or get something from them.

Example: I had to butter up my boss the entire day to avoid his anger after reporting to work late.

5. Cry over spilt milk:

Meaning: Worrying about something in the past that cannot be changed.

Example: There’s no use crying over spilt milk; the product is here to stay, and I have to accept that I haven’t used it much.

6. Food for thought:

Meaning: Something that gives you something to think about or ponder.

Example: How your work can contribute to society and the greater good is truly food for thought for all of us.

7. Hard nut to crack:

Meaning: Refers to a difficult or challenging person.

Example: He seemed like a hard nut to crack, but I was surprised by his knowledge during an interesting conversation.

8. To be spoon-fed:

Meaning: Can mean to be literally fed with a spoon or to be treated in a way that discourages independent thought or action.

Example: This device has made things so easy and convenient that it’s like being spoon-fed.

9. Binge drinking/eating:

Meaning: Refers to consuming excessive amounts of food or drink in a short period.

Example: The highlight of the party, for me at least, was the binge eating; there was so much food to try!

10. Finger licking:

Meaning: Describes something that is very tasty or delicious.

Example: The Pav Bhaji served at Canon is absolutely finger-licking!

Vocabulary Exercises:

1. crying over spilt milk

2. binge drinking

3. bitter pill to swallow

4. acquired taste

5. Finger licking

B. Idioms for situations:

1. Being spoon-fed

2. Bread and butter

3. Food for thought

4. Butter up