feast or famine
Feast or famine - Either an overabundance or a shortage. This expression originated as either feast or fast, which is how it appeared in Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia (1732) and still survived in 1912 (“Dock labour has been graphically described as ‘either a feast or a fast,’” London Daily Telegraph). In America, famine was substituted sometime during the twentieth century. The term is still frequently applied to alternating overabundance and shortages of work, as is often the case for freelancers, seasonal laborers, and the like.
Related Terms:
- Boom or Bust: Significant cycles of economic or business success followed by collapse.
- Peaks and Valleys: Highs and lows, often used to describe fluctuations in market trends.
- All or Nothing: Risking everything on a single venture.
Synonyms:
- Feast or fast
- Boom or bust
- Peaks and valleys
Antonyms:
- Steady as she goes
- Consistent
- Stable
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Some days you’re the top dog, and some days you’re the fire hydrant. So just remember, life’s a feast or a famine—you either stuff your face or tighten your belt.” — Burton G. Humdinger
Proverbial Wisdom:
“Make hay while the sun shines.” 🌞 — Utilize the good times before the tough ones roll in.
Wise Words from Literature:
- “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens: Note how the contrasts between wealth and poverty are starkly portrayed.
- “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck: An epic exploration of economic hardship during the Great Depression.
Songs to Reflect Upon:
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles: A hopeful tune after a harsh winter or famine period.
- “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits: Reflects on the boom periods when success feels effortless.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
As you navigate through the feasts and famines of life, remember, it’s not about the abundance or the scarcity but how you leverage each moment to grow.
Happy Learning!
