good for (someone or something)
1. Having a positive effect on someone or something. More sunlight will be good for your drooping plants. Let's go to the playground. A bit or fresh air and exercise will be good for you! Because you're so wracked with guilt, I think it will be good for you to confess to Mom that you're the one who broke the vase.
2. Able to pay a debt owed. I'm good for the money, don't worry. I'll get it to you first thing tomorrow. I thought he was good for the money! I never would have invited him to poker night otherwise. Don't worry, I'll send a couple of thugs to go rough him up. I'm pretty sure he'll be good for the money after that.
3. Able to work or function for some amount of time. I know it's a used car, but it ought to be good for a few more years. That blender is at least 20 years old. How long did you think it'd be good for? No, something else must be wrong—the battery is supposed to be good for another 15,000 miles!
4. Valid or in effect for some amount of time. How long is this warranty good for? Is this coupon really good for 50% off our total purchase? Unfortunately, the game got rained out, but they did give us vouchers good for any other home game on the schedule.
5. An expression of approval or support of someone for something they have done or accomplished. I heard you got the promotion—good for you! Good for him. Getting an A in that class is no easy feat. I did hear Lauren got engaged. Good for her—she deserves a great guy like Stefan.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Good for you!
a complimentary expression of encouragement for something that someone has done or received. Sue: I just got a raise. Bill: Good for you! Jane: I really told him what I thought of his rotten behavior. Sue: Good for you! He needs it.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
good for
1. Beneficial to, as in Milk is good for children. [Tenth century a.d.]
2. Financially reliable, able to pay or repay, as in They know he's good for a big tip. [Mid-1800s]
3. Able to serve or continue to function, as in This furniture's good for at least ten more years, or I hope you're not tired-I'm good for another three miles or so. [Mid-1800s]
4. Equivalent in value; also, valid for. For example, These coupons are good for a 20 percent discount, or This contract is good for the entire life of the book. [Second half of 1800s]
5. good for someone. An expression of approval, as in Good for Bill-he's sold the car, or Good for you! You passed the exam. This usage differs from the others in that orally a slight emphasis is placed on you or whoever is being mentioned. [Mid-1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.