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(as) keen as mustard
01
used to refer to a person with a very high level of enthusiasm
Dialect
British
British
Approving
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "keen as mustard" and when to use it?
The phrase "keen as mustard" originated in the early 19th century and refers to someone's intense enthusiasm or eagerness. It draws on the strong and pungent flavor associated with mustard to symbolize a person's passionate nature. The phrase has since become a commonly used idiom to describe someone who is highly motivated or excited about something. This idiom is typically employed in informal conversations or informal writing to convey a sense of strong excitement or motivation.
Examples
I've never seen anyone as keen as mustard about hiking as Jane. She plans every trip meticulously and ca n't wait to hit the trails.
Sarah is always the first one to volunteer for any project at work. She's as keen as mustard and brings so much enthusiasm to the team.
