Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” mean?

"Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" means that while it is always good to be optimistic, it is important to remain grounded and realistic to avoid disappointment.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I always start my day with a positive mindset. Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. It keeps me motivated and focused.

Example

She was full of hope and excitement at the beginning, but as time went on, she realized that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.

Example

He learned the hard way that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. He had high expectations, but they were not met in the end

Is “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” 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 “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” effectively in context?

You can use "Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" to emphasize the importance of being optimistic and hopeful, but also realistic. It reminds us that while hope can be a great motivator in the beginning, it's important to temper our expectations and be prepared for potential disappointments. For example, if a friend is overly optimistic about a new job opportunity, you might say, 'Remember, hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. Stay positive, but also be prepared for any challenges that may arise.'

• 1. Personal Goals

  She had big dreams for her future, but she also knew that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. She worked hard and stayed optimistic, but also made sure to have backup plans in case things didn't go as expected.

• 2. Relationships

  After a series of failed relationships, he realized that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. He decided to approach dating with a positive mindset, but also with a realistic understanding that not every relationship would work out.

• 3. Career

  He was excited about his new business venture, but he also understood that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. He set ambitious goals, but also prepared himself for potential setbacks and challenges along the way.

Similar phrases to “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.”:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Don't make plans or celebrate something before it actually happens

Example

He was excited about the job offer, but his friend reminded him, 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch.'

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best

Be ready for any outcome, but maintain a positive outlook

Example

She knew the competition would be tough, so she prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best.

Keep your feet on the ground

Remain practical and realistic

Example

He was ambitious, but his mentor advised him to keep his feet on the ground and set achievable goals.

Aim high, but be prepared for setbacks

Set ambitious goals, but also anticipate obstacles

Example

She encouraged her team to aim high, but also reminded them to be prepared for setbacks along the way.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" is unknown.

Is “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in writing or formal discussions about optimism and realism.

What tone does “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” have?

"Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" conveys a tone of caution and balance. It encourages optimism and hope, but also reminds us to remain grounded and realistic.

Can “Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper" is more commonly used in formal settings or in writing, such as essays, articles, or speeches. It may not be as frequently used in casual conversations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She remained hopeful, but also understood that hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.' to remind someone to be realistic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• optimism with caution
• balancing hope and realism
• positive but realistic mindset
• hope tempered with realism
• optimistic yet grounded perspective

Antonyms

• pessimism
• blind optimism
• unrealistic hope
• lack of hope
• negative mindset