English Reference
Idiom idiom

good sense


Common sense; sensibleness.

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


SIMPLE

It is good sense to save money for emergencies.

CONTEXTUAL

She showed good sense by checking the weather forecast before planning the outdoor party.

COMPLEX

The experienced manager demonstrated good sense by prioritizing long-term stability over the immediate, short-term profits that the board demanded.


From the Middle French *bon sens*, derived from the Old French *boin sens*. The term entered English as a calque of the French construction, which provides the modern French *bon sens* for common sense.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

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

  2. 02

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  3. 03

    all good

    It's all good.

  4. 04

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  5. 05

    but good

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

  6. 06

    come from a good place

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

  7. 07

    come to one's senses

    To reawaken after having lost consciousness.

  8. 08

    come up with the goods

    To produce what was expected or required.

Last updated August 10, 2026