A Substantial and Nourishing Repast: The Quest for a Square Meal 🍽
Definition 📖
A “square meal” refers to a substantial, nutritious, and satisfying meal, adequate both in quantity and variety to satisfy one’s hunger.
Origins 📜
This term is an Americanism from the mid-nineteenth century, encapsulating the idea of a complete and well-rounded meal. Humorist Stephen Leacock humorously referenced it in “Literary Lapses” (1910), stating: “Any two meals at a boarding-house are together less than two square meals.”
Synonyms 📚
- Hearty meal
- Full-course meal
- Substantial spread
- Solid fare
Related Expressions and Idioms 🗣️
- Bite to eat: A quick meal or snack.
- Grub: Slang for food.
- Chow down: To eat heartily.
- Breaking bread: Sharing a meal with others.
Antonyms ❌
- Meager repast
- Light bite
- Snack
- Tidbit
Quotes and Proverbs ✒️
- “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” — Virginia Woolf
- “To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” — François de La Rochefoucauld
Literature and References 📖
- “Literary Lapses” by Stephen Leacock: A collection of humorous essays that includes a quip about “square meals.”
- “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens: Portrays vivid imagery of meals and feasts.
- “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: Features whimsical dining experiences.
Songs 🎶
- “Food, Glorious Food” from the musical “Oliver!”: Celebrates the joy of a hearty meal.
- “Banquet” by Bloc Party: A modern rock take on the theme of nourishment and satisfaction.
Movies 🎬
- “Julie & Julia”: A delightful exploration of French cuisine and hearty meals.
- “Ratatouille”: An animated masterpiece about the love of food and hearty cooking.
Inspirational Thought 💭
Creating a life that feels like a “square meal” goes beyond just sustenance; it encompasses balance, variety, and fulfillment in every aspect. Bon appétit!
### Which of these describes a substantial, satisfying meal?
- [x] A square meal
- [ ] A light snack
- [ ] Tidbit fest
- [ ] A nibble delight
> **Explanation:** "A square meal" is the term describing a substantial and satisfying meal, while the others suggest smaller portions or snacks.
### True or False: A 'square meal' refers to food served from square-shaped plates.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. A "square meal" refers to a hearty and ample meal, not to the shape of the serving dishes.
### What is a synonym for 'square meal'?
- [x] Hearty meal
- [ ] Quick bite
- [ ] Simple snack
- [ ] Delicate morsel
> **Explanation:** A synonym for "square meal" is "hearty meal," which conveys the idea of consuming a sufficient amount of nourishment.
### Which literature piece mentions 'any two meals at a boarding-house are together less than two square meals'?
- [ ] "Moby Dick"
- [x] "Literary Lapses"
- [ ] "War and Peace"
- [ ] "Pride and Prejudice"
> **Explanation:** The quote is from "Literary Lapses" by Stephen Leacock, humorously commenting on the quality of boarding-house meals.
### Pick the related idiom to 'square meal':
- [ ] Spare grub
- [x] Breaking bread
- [ ] Nibble nibble
- [ ] Snack attack
> **Explanation:** The idiom "breaking bread" involves sharing a meal, akin to the context of having a substantial and communal meal.
