ENGLISH
REFERENCE

well and good

idiom
Meaning

Basically good, but with some shortcoming or limitation.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is well and good to dream, but you must work hard too.

CONTEXTUAL

Having a fast car is well and good, but it is not very useful if you cannot afford the gas.

COMPLEX

While his theoretical approach was well and good, it failed to account for the practical difficulties the team encountered during the implementation phase.

Anchors to
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

    all very well

    All right to a certain extent, but problematic beyond that, or for other people.

  4. 04

    as well

    In addition; also.

  5. 05

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  6. 06

    but good

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

  7. 07

    come from a good place

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

  8. 08

    come up with the goods

    To produce what was expected or required.

Last updated April 17, 2026