proverb · Words worth keeping
It is good to be merry at meat.
It is good to be merry at meat.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A meal can be an occasion for pleasant company and good humour. Meat here stands for the meal, rather than only a particular food.
Example
Friends make a simple meal welcoming by listening to each other and allowing conversation to develop at its own pace.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying joins ordinary nourishment with sociability. Being merry at a meal can mean enjoying conversation, welcoming companions or making space for a relaxed moment in the day. It need not imply a loud celebration or the expectation that every diner should perform happiness. A useful application invites an atmosphere people can enjoy freely. Some meals follow difficult events or involve someone who prefers quiet, and considerate company leaves room for those circumstances rather than enforcing cheerfulness.
When to use it
Use it to appreciate good company around a meal.
Keep in mind
People should not be pressured to appear cheerful or participate in unwelcome entertainment.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English