Just what the doctor ordered

Meaning

The idiom "just what the doctor ordered" is used to describe something that is exactly what someone needs or wants. It is often used to describe a meal, a place, or an activity that satisfies someone's cravings or preferences. The figurative meaning of the idiom suggests that the person ordering is like a patient who has been prescribed medicine by their doctor.

Usage

• She was so tired after work that she ordered pizza and went to bed immediately, just what the doctor ordered.
• He had been wanting to try sushi for ages, but never found the time until tonight. This sushi place was just what he ordered.
• She needed a break from her busy schedule, so she took a day off and went to the beach, just what the doctor ordered.
• The team had been struggling to win games recently, but tonight they played flawlessly and won by a landslide, just what the coach ordered.
• He had been feeling stressed out at work, so he decided to take a yoga class and clear his mind. It was exactly what he needed, just what the doctor ordered.

Roots and History

The idiom "just what the doctor ordered" dates back to the 19th century. It originated in the United States and was first used in literature in the 1800s. The phrase is believed to have come from the practice of prescribing medicine or other treatments to patients who needed it, similar to how a person might order something that satisfies their preferences or needs. Over time, the idiom has become more figurative and is often used to describe anything that someone wants or needs.

Synonyms in English

• Perfect
• Exactly what I needed
• Just what I wanted
• Dream come true
• Exactly what I was looking for

Synonyms in other languages

• 自然的 (Zìn rán de) - Chinese
• واحده من الشمس (Wāhudah min al-shams) - Arabic
• מוצעים (Matzalim) - Hebrew
• ביתוחות (Beytuchim) - Hebrew
• לאההדה (Le'ahevda) - Hebrew

Similar Idioms

• just deserts

• joined at the hip

• jump to conclusions