What does “Spoon-fed” mean?
"Spoon-fed" means being given information or help in a very easy or simple way.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always been spoon-fed by his parents, so he struggles to do things on his own.
Example
The professor spoon-fed the students the answers during the exam.
Example
I don't want to be spoon-fed, I prefer to figure things out on my own
Is “Spoon-fed” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Spoon-fed” 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 “Spoon-fed” effectively in context?
You can use "spoon-fed" to describe someone who is given information or help in a very easy or simple way. It often implies that the person is not taking initiative or putting in effort to learn or solve problems on their own. For example, if a friend always relies on others to do their work for them, you might say, 'He's always been spoon-fed by his parents, so he struggles to do things on his own.'
- 1Education
The professor spoon-fed the students the answers during the exam.
- 2Independence
I don't want to be spoon-fed, I prefer to figure things out on my own.
- 3Dependency
She's been spoon-fed her whole life and doesn't know how to handle challenges independently.
Similar phrases to “Spoon-fed”:
Hand-holding
Providing excessive guidance or assistance
Example
The teacher did a lot of hand-holding for the struggling student.
Being treated with excessive care or protection
Example
He was coddled by his parents and never learned to take care of himself.
Babied
Being treated in an overly nurturing or indulgent manner
Example
She was babied by her older siblings and never had to do anything for herself.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Spoon-fed” come from?
The origin of the phrase "spoon-fed" is unknown.
Is “Spoon-fed” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "spoon-fed" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize or express frustration towards individuals who rely too heavily on others for assistance or information.
What tone does “Spoon-fed” have?
"Spoon-fed" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It suggests that the person being described is not taking responsibility for their own learning or problem-solving and is instead relying on others to make things easy for them.
Can “Spoon-fed” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Spoon-fed" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations among friends or colleagues, as well as in more professional contexts such as discussions about education or workplace performance.
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, 'He's always been spoon-fed by his parents.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'No more spoon-feeding!' to express a desire for independence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- pampered
- spoiled
- indulged
- mollycoddled
- catered to
Antonyms
- independent
- resourceful
- autonomous
- self-reliant
- self-sufficient
