English Reference
Idiom idiom

but good


To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He beat his opponent but good in the final match.

CONTEXTUAL

The storm damaged the old roof but good, so we had to replace the entire thing.

COMPLEX

After the scandal ruined his reputation but good, the politician retired from public life to avoid further scrutiny.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

    Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.

  2. 02

    all good

    It's all good.

  3. 03

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  4. 04

    come from a good place

    To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

  5. 05

    come up with the goods

    To produce what was expected or required.

  6. 06

    deal a good hand

    To assign favorable circumstances in life to someone.

  7. 07

    deliver the goods

    To do what was promised or expected.

  8. 08

    do well by doing good

    To achieve social acceptance or financial success as a result of behaving in a benevolent or charitable manner.

Last updated August 10, 2026