for good measure
13
3.7
- idiom
- She packed an umbrella for good measure, even though the forecast was clear.
- thrown in for good measure
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Watch on YouTubeThe whole front of that place just covered in macarons and again, macaroons, macaroonies and again one last time for good measure.
- The whole front of that place just covered in macarons and again, macaroons, macaroonies and again one last time for good measure.
- The whole front of that place just covered in macaron and again macaroons, macaroonies and again one last time for good measure.
- I thought I'd throw a bag in just for good measure to spice it up.
Examples
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I just figured we'd throw her in... you know, for good measure.
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I thought I'd throw a bag in just for good measure to spice it up.
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A few more for good measure.
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And then, just for good measure, we'll think about it some more.
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One more for good measure.
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And for good measure, sit on this, John.
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Well, we'll get your stripes back for you, maybe an extra one for good measure.
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And just for good measure, I am going to do the iPhone comparison.
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And for good measure, we grabbed the second cheapest and also the third cheapest.
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So, the startup signs on as an IV customer and, for good measure, becomes a member of RPX.
Academic text (2011)
How Much
Surface Forms
Morphology
The parts 'for' (purpose) + 'good' (suitable) + 'measure' (amount) yield a plausible literal sense of 'for a sufficient/extra amount', so a learner could infer the idea of adding something extra. However, the phrase is a conventionalized idiomatic slot (’for good measure’ = ‘as an extra/bonus’), and that pragmaticized meaning is not fully predictable from the words alone, so it requires some exposure.
Etymology
The phrase for good measure comes from the idea of a cook or baker who adds a little more than needed when they measure, a small extra to be safe. That's why for good measure means 'in addition to what is needed' or an 'extra'.