What does “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” mean?
"What's good for the goose is good for the gander" means that what is beneficial or suitable for one person is also beneficial or suitable for another person.
What context can I use the in?
Example
If he gets a raise, then I should too. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Example
She always expects me to help her, but never offers to help me. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Example
They both agreed to split the chores equally. What's good for the goose is good for the gander
Is “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“What's good for the goose is good for the gander” 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 “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” effectively in context?
You can use "What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander" to emphasize the principle of fairness and equality. It means that what is good or acceptable for one person should also be good or acceptable for another person in a similar situation. For example, if someone expects you to do something, but they are not willing to do it themselves, you can say, 'If you expect me to clean the house, then you should too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.'
- 1Household Chores
If your sibling asks you to do the dishes, you can respond with 'Sure, but remember, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. You'll have to help with the laundry too.'
- 2Rules and Regulations
If someone tries to exempt themselves from following a rule, you can remind them, 'Sorry, but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. We all have to follow the same rules.'
- 3Expectations
If someone expects special treatment, you can say, 'I don't see why I have to follow all the rules while you get to break them. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.'
Similar phrases to “What's good for the goose is good for the gander”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” come from?
The origin of the phrase "What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander" is unknown.
Is “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” common in everyday conversation?
"What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander" is a relatively common proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to highlight the importance of fairness and equal treatment.
What tone does “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” have?
"What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander" conveys a tone of fairness and equality. It is used to assert that everyone should be treated equally and that what applies to one person should apply to others as well.
Can “What's good for the goose is good for the gander” be used in informal and formal settings?
"What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander" is a fairly formal proverb. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings, such as discussions about fairness, equality, and ethics.
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, 'If you expect me to clean the house, then you should too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.' to imply the need for equal treatment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- equality for all
- even playing field
- same rules for everyone
- no double standards
- equal treatment
Antonyms
- discrimination
- special treatment
- double standards
- unfair advantage
- unequal treatment
