Search
to eat sb/sth for breakfast
01
to easily and thoroughly defeat someone
What is the origin of the idiom "eat someone or something for breakfast" and when to use it?
The idiom "eat someone or something for breakfast" implies that the person or thing being defeated is weak or insignificant, and can be easily consumed or handled. The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It may have been influenced by the idea of a predator eating its prey, or by the idea of a person consuming a meal with ease. In modern usage, this idiom is often used in sports, politics, or business to describe a situation where one person or team dominates another with ease.
Example
She looked at him oddly when he suggested eating ice cream for breakfast.
The experienced lawyer could have the opposing side for breakfast in the court case.
She looked at him oddly when he suggested eating ice cream for breakfast.
If we don't improve our skills, the experienced team will have us for breakfast in the upcoming game.
The team is eating their opponents for breakfast in the current game.
Nearby Words