English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
On a silver platter
Meaning
The idiom "on a silver platter" means that something is handed to you easily or without any effort on your part. It can also imply that the thing is undesirable or not what you expected. For example, "I didn't want to win the competition, but it was handed to me on a silver platter." In this sentence, the person did not want to win, but they were given the victory without trying for it.
Usage
- "The job opportunity fell right into my lap. It was like I got it on a silver platter."
- "I never asked for the promotion, but it was given to me on a silver platter."
- "The movie ticket was handed to me on a silver platter by my friend."
- "When I ordered my food at the restaurant, it was delivered to our table on a silver platter."
- "My friend surprised me with a birthday cake, and it was placed in front of me on a silver platter." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe something that is given to you easily or unexpectedly, whether it's positive or negative.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. It may have come from the idea of a silver platter being used to serve food in a formal setting, indicating that something was handed to you without effort or expectation. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent, but it has become more commonly used in contemporary language to describe any situation where something is given to you easily.
Synonyms in English
- "Fall into my lap"
- "Handed to me"
- "Dropped into my lap"
- "Given to me"
- "A gift from the gods"
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Mettre dans ma main" (to put in my hand)
- Spanish: "Subir al cielo" (to go up to heaven)
- German: "Bei mir fällt es, als sei ich auf eine Platte" (it feels like I'm on a platter)
- Italian: "Essere servito su un tablaio" (to be served on a table)
- Japanese: "紅茶が熱いになって、ありがとうございます" (thank you for your hot tea)