Thursday 7 June 2007

Phrase of the Day 96: 'a square meal'

"a square meal"


definition: a nutritious, healthy meal.

(podrádné/vydatné jídlo)

example: "I am really hungry; because I have been camping I haven't had a square meal in weeks"

origin: British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best living conditions. A sailor's breakfast and lunch were just than bread and a drink. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal onboard a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.

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