three-martini lunch
A leisurely, expensive midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The executives enjoyed a long three-martini lunch to celebrate the deal.”
“The client insisted on a three-martini lunch, even though we had a busy afternoon of meetings ahead.”
“The era of the three-martini lunch has largely faded, replaced by quick coffee meetings and a greater focus on professional efficiency.”
- 01
eat someone's lunch
To best or defeat someone thoroughly; to make short work of.
- 02
free lunch
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.
- 03
out to lunch
Clueless, inattentive, or careless.
- 04
power lunch
A working lunch at which bosses make business decisions or hold important discussions.
Last updated August 10, 2026