stick to ribs
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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.
stick to (one's) ribs
Informal To be substantial or filling. Used of food.