The phrase “and something to spare” is commonly used to indicate that there is more than enough of a particular resource, such as time, money, or space, with a bit left over. It implies that the amount available exceeds what was needed or expected, highlighting abundance or efficiency. This phrase is useful in both informal and formal contexts when discussing surplus resources.
Usage of the phrase in sentences
To better understand how “and something to spare” is applied in everyday language, here are some examples:
Discussing ingredients:
“I had as much flour as I needed for the recipe, with something to spare for the next batch.”
Referring to financial resources:
“Fred said he should have enough cash to last the week, with money to spare for any extra expenses.”
Time management:
“We completed the project with time to spare, allowing us to review everything before the deadline.”
Origin of the phrase
“And something to spare” stems from the concept of surplus and abundance. While it’s unclear when exactly the phrase came into common usage, it has long been a way to express that a person has not only met their requirements but has also exceeded them. This usage reflects satisfaction and sometimes relief at having more than anticipated.
Importance of using “And something to spare”
Using “and something to spare” provides emphasis on abundance, efficiency, or success. In conversations about planning or resource management, this phrase reassures others that not only were needs met, but there’s also additional capacity or resources. This expression can apply across various contexts, from cooking and budgeting to time management and spatial arrangements.
Synonyms and related expressions
Here are a few alternatives that convey a similar meaning to “and something to spare“:
- With extra leftover
- And some to spare
- With surplus
The phrase “and something to spare” is an effective way to convey abundance in any situation where resources or time were more than sufficient. Its flexibility makes it a valuable expression in both casual and professional communication, allowing speakers to emphasize that they were prepared with more than enough to meet their needs.
