English Reference
Idiom idiom

well and good


Basically good, but with some shortcoming or limitation.

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


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.”


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 August 10, 2026