package

big things come in small packages

Often the things that have the most value or quality are small; the size of something does not always properly indicate its value. A variation of the more common phrase, "good things come in small packages." Experiencing the love of a baby is really life-changing. It's so true that big things come in small packages. Rather than lavishing her with gifts, why don't you spend quality time reconnecting with her? Remember: big things come in small packages The gold-medal-winning gymnast was only 4' 9", proving once again that big things come in small packages.

See also: big, come, package, small, thing

care package

A package or parcel containing food, clothing, or other items sent to someone who lives or is spending time away from home, such as a college student, a child in summer camps, or a person living abroad. The treats my mom sent in her care packages really helped me get through my first year studying in Italy. The care package was jammed with all sorts of goodies from my parents. Violet seems really homesick, so I'm going to send a care package to her at camp.

See also: care, package

good things come in small packages

Often the things that have the most value or quality are small; the size of something does not always properly indicate its value. Experiencing the love of a baby is really life-changing. It's so true that good things come in small packages. Rather than lavishing her with gifts, why don't you spend quality time reconnecting with her? Remember: good things come in small packages As one of the smallest players in the league, the first-time All Star is proving that good things come in small packages.

See also: come, good, package, small, thing

have a package on

slang To be drunk. Possibly a variation of the phrase "tie a bag on." Primarily heard in UK. A: "Don't mind him, he just has a package on." B: "Seriously? How is he drunk already?" Well, I must have had a package on if I got up and did karaoke at the bar last night! Help him get home, will ya? He started drinking whiskey, and now he has a package on.

See also: have, on, package

package

vulgar slang A man's genitals, especially the penis. I think those pants are a bit too tight on you. You can, uh . . . You can see the outline of your package in them. Most men are more concerned with the size of their packages than they are with things that actually matter in life.

package deal

1. A group of many or various things sold together at a single, often reduced price. The spa has a package deal available that includes access to the pool and sauna, a 45-minute massage, and a facial treatment of your choice. They're offering a package deal where you buy three DVDs and get a fourth for free.

2. A set of terms, arrangements, conditions, etc., that must be accepted or maintained together. The stimulus package is a package deal. I'm not willing to support it if you start stripping parts out of it. The district attorney's offer is a package deal, I'm afraid. If you aren't willing to do everything they're asking for, then they won't waive the charges.

3. cliché Two or more people or animals who refuse to be separated. Look, Tom and I are a team—we're a package deal. Either we both get transferred, or neither of us does. I'm sorry, but I'm not willing to separate the puppies. They're a package deal, so if you want to adopt, you'll have to be willing to take them all.

See also: deal, package

the best things come in small packages

Often the things that have the most value or quality are small; the size of something does not always properly indicate its value. A variation of the more common phrase, "good things come in small packages." Experiencing the love of a baby is really life-changing. It's so true that the best things come in small packages.

See also: best, come, package, small, thing

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

best things come in small packages, good things come in small packages

Prov. Small packages often contain valuable things. (Sometimes said of petite or short people.) Jill: I'm upset at George. He only gave me this tiny box for my birthday. Jane: Don't get upset till you know what's in it. Good things do come in small packages. Child: I hate being so short. Grandmother: You shouldn't. The best things come in small packages.

See also: best, come, good, package, small, thing

Good things come in small packages

. Go to The best things come in small packages.

See also: come, good, package, small, thing

package deal

Fig. a collection or group of related goods or services sold as a unit. I got all these tools in a package deal for only $39.95. What about giving me all three shirts as a package deal?

See also: deal, package

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

care package

A gift package of food or other items not readily available to the recipient, as in While I was in college, Mom sent me a care package of homemade cookies just about every month . This term originated after World War II with CARE, an organization founded to send needed food, clothing, and other items to war-torn nations. By the 1960s the term had been transferred to sending packages of treats to children at camp, students away at school, and the like.

See also: care, package

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.

package

1. n. a combination of a variety of related things; a unified set of things. The first college I applied to offered me a good aid package, so I went.

2. n. a lot of money; a bundle. She made quite a package on that bank deal.

3. n. someone who is cute or sexually attractive. (Primarily refers to females as bundles of sexual charms. Similar in meaning to sense 1) How do you like that little package who just came in?

4. tv. to position or display someone or something, as in marketing, to good advantage. The agent packaged the actress so that everyone thought she only did dramatic roles.

packaged

mod. alcohol intoxicated. Man, Bart was really packaged last night!

See also: package

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

care package

A gift of food or small items sent to a student, camper, or friend. The original CARE (Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe) was founded in 1944 by 22 organizations to work together to help victims of World War II. In a couple of years, CARE packages, usually containing food, were sent to 11 European countries, and in 1948 CARE airlifted food to Berliners behind the Russian blockade. After Europe recovered, CARE continued to assist victims of war, drought, famine, and civil strife in other parts of the world. By then, the name had been extended to packages sent as a gift, and it has become a cliché. An article in Time magazine discussing the mailing of umbilical cord blood, used for many kinds of therapy, had a sidebar: “Care Package. See how mail-in donations work at time. com/cord_blood” (July 26, 2010).

See also: care, package

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer

CARE package

A gift parcel. CARE, the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, was an organization that sent more than 100-million cartons of foodstuffs to war-torn Europe from the end of World War II through 1962. The phrase was picked up by soldiers, college students, and sleepaway-camp campers for any gift of goodies they received by mail from home.

See also: care, package

Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price Copyright © 2011 by Steven D. Price