Idiom
good egg
Meanings
A kind, trustworthy, and decent person.
Definition
A good egg is a kind, trustworthy person.
A good egg is an informal phrase for someone who is genuinely kind, reliable, and decent. It is often used as a friendly way to praise a person’s character. In British English, it can sound slightly old-fashioned but still warm and positive.
Examples
- Tom’s a good egg who always checks on his neighbours.
- Thanks for covering my shift—you’re a good egg.
- She may be quiet, but she’s a good egg.
- Everyone trusts him because he’s a good egg.
- Our new manager seems like a good egg.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for things (e.g., food or objects), but good egg is usually used to describe a person.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More noun phrases
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- Monday morning quarterback A "Monday morning quarterback" is someone who criticizes or judges a decision after the outcome is …
- fifth wheel A fifth wheel is a person who is unnecessary or awkwardly included in a situation, especially with …
- gravy train An easy and profitable situation that provides steady benefits with little effort.
- level playing field A level playing field is a situation where everyone has the same chances and no one has an unfair a…