What does “Curate's egg” mean?
"Curate's egg" means something that is partly good and partly bad.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The movie received mixed reviews, it was a real Curate's egg.
Example
The new restaurant has great food but terrible service, it's a bit of a Curate's egg.
Example
The team's performance was a Curate's egg, with some players excelling and others struggling
Is “Curate's egg” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Curate's egg” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Curate's egg” effectively in context?
You can use "Curate's egg" to describe something that has both positive and negative aspects. It emphasizes the idea that the overall quality or experience is mixed. For example, if you watched a movie that had great acting but a weak plot, you could say, 'The movie received mixed reviews, it was a real Curate's egg.'
- 1Restaurant
The new restaurant has great food but terrible service, it's a bit of a Curate's egg.
- 2Sports
The team's performance was a Curate's egg, with some players excelling and others struggling.
- 3Product Review
The smartphone had an impressive camera but poor battery life, making it a Curate's egg.
Similar phrases to “Curate's egg”:
Double-edged sword
Something that has both positive and negative consequences
Example
Technology can be a double-edged sword, bringing convenience but also privacy concerns.
Jekyll and Hyde
Someone who has two contrasting personalities or behaviors
Example
He can be a real Jekyll and Hyde, friendly one moment and angry the next.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Curate's egg” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Curate's egg" can be traced back to a cartoon published in the British satirical magazine Punch in 1895. The cartoon depicted a timid curate (a clergyman) who was having breakfast with his bishop. When asked how he liked his egg, the curate replied, 'Oh, I assure you, parts of it are excellent!' The phrase 'Curate's egg' came to represent something that is partly good and partly bad.
Is “Curate's egg” common in everyday conversation?
While not as common as some other idioms, "Curate's egg" is still used in everyday conversation, especially in British English. It is often used in informal contexts to express a mixed opinion or evaluation of something.
What tone does “Curate's egg” have?
"Curate's egg" conveys a tone of ambivalence or disappointment. It suggests that the overall quality or experience falls short of expectations due to its mixed nature.
Can “Curate's egg” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Curate's egg" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may not be as familiar to non-native English speakers or in formal writing. However, it can still be used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new album is a bit of a Curate's egg, with some great songs and some forgettable ones.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a real Curate's egg!' to express a mixed opinion.
