stick to ribs

stick to one's ribs

Fig. [for food] to last long and fortify one well; [for food] to sustain one even in the coldest weather. This oatmeal ought to stick to your ribs. You need something hearty on a cold day like this. I don't want just a salad! I want something that will stick to my ribs.

See also: rib, stick

stick to (one's) ribs

Informal

To be substantial or filling. Used of food.

See also: rib, stick