a good egg

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good egg" is considered correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression meaning someone who is kind, helpful, and trustworthy. It can be used in casual and informal writing. Example: "I'm lucky to have such a good egg for a best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's a good egg.

Independent

Mag was a good egg.

The New Yorker

Be a good egg.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a good egg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not a good egg peeler.

The New York Times

Everybody always calls Toddie a good egg.

The New Yorker

Hunt is indeed a good egg.

The Guardian

But Mom was a good egg.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I recently talked to Christi Craig of Wauwatosa, Wis., another parent who has been searching for a good egg-free recipe for a classic American birthday cake.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mutant bird was of the so-called New Hampshire variety, a good egg-producer, but, with its small body, not much of a meal.

The New York Times

The Welsh Harlequin duck is a rarer bird but a good egg-layer as well as good meat bird and has a placid nature.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using “a good egg”. While generally understood, its old-fashioned feel might not resonate with younger audiences or in more formal settings.

Common error

Avoid overusing “a good egg” in your writing or conversation. While it's a charming idiom, frequent repetition can make your language sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your descriptions of people's positive qualities by using alternatives like "decent person" or "kind soul".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good egg" functions as a noun phrase used predicatively or attributively to describe a person's character. It ascribes positive qualities such as kindness, trustworthiness, and reliability to the individual. As Ludwig AI also suggests, it conveys a positive assessment of someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good egg" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is kind, trustworthy, and reliable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for use in written English. While highly common, it is generally confined to informal settings. It appears most frequently in news and media sources. When describing someone with positive attributes, related phrases like "decent person" or "kind soul" can be used for variety, particularly in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decent person

Emphasizes morality and respectability more directly.

a kind soul

Highlights kindness and empathy as primary traits.

a stand-up guy

Focuses on integrity and reliability, typically used for men.

a true gem

Suggests rarity and preciousness in terms of character.

a salt of the earth

Implies honesty, dependability, and being unpretentious.

a good sort

An older-fashioned term with similar connotations.

a sweetheart

Emphasizes kindness and lovability.

an angel

Highlights exceptional goodness and selflessness.

a great individual

A more formal way to describe a person's admirable qualities.

a reliable person

Highlights the person's trustworthiness and dependability.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone "a good egg"?

Calling someone "a good egg" means that they are a kind, trustworthy, and reliable person. It's an informal way of expressing that you think highly of their character.

Is "a good egg" a compliment?

Yes, "a good egg" is definitely a compliment. It suggests that you see the person as having positive qualities and being a good person overall.

Are there any similar phrases to "a good egg"?

Yes, similar phrases include "decent person", "stand-up guy", or "kind soul". These all convey a similar sentiment of respect and admiration for someone's character.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a good egg" in formal writing?

The phrase "a good egg" is considered informal. It's best to avoid using it in formal writing. In formal contexts, opt for more professional language such as "reliable person" or "trustworthy individual".