cookie jar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cookie jar" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a container or jar in which cookies are kept. For example, you could write, "I quickly grabbed a cookie out of the cookie jar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Suddenly they're guilty kids at the cookie jar.

The New York Times

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

The New York Times

"Put his hand in the cookie jar without me knowing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Like Coach says, 'Put your wrist into the cookie jar.' ".

The New York Times

There are contrived touches, like Vuthy's speeches to a skull he keeps in a cookie jar.

The New York Times

There is a Rosa Parks cookie jar and a Rosa Parks app.

The New York Times

"I couldn't fight my way out of a cookie jar," he told me.

The New Yorker

"I've been trying to find a really good Lulu cookie jar for years," Ms. Levine said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's that hand-in-the-cookie-jar, love-me-because-I'm-a-rascal look.

The New Yorker

Such cookie-jar reserves, as they are called, were widely used in the late 1990's.

The New York Times

Corrections were also made to suppress operations on cookie-jar reserves and exceptional operating revenues and operating expenses.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cookie jar" in a figurative sense (e.g., "dipping into the cookie jar"), ensure the context is clear and the audience understands the implied meaning of accessing something illicitly or inappropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "cookie jar" in contexts where the figurative meaning of illicit access might be misinterpreted or cause offense. Consider your audience and the potential for miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cookie jar" primarily functions as a noun, typically referring to a container used for storing cookies. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cookie jar" is a very common noun phrase with both literal and figurative meanings, as confirmed by Ludwig. Literally, it denotes a container for storing cookies. Figuratively, it suggests illicit access or misuse, especially in professional or political settings. Ludwig examples show its prevalence across news, media, and even technical contexts. When using the phrase, especially figuratively, ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biscuit tin

Replaces "jar" with "tin", another common container for baked goods.

cracker barrel

Substitutes both "cookie" and "jar" with terms evoking a similar storage and treat-related concept.

sweet treat container

More generic, focusing on the function of holding sweets.

confectionery holder

A more formal alternative, highlighting the contents being confectionery.

goodie stash

Informal term emphasizing a hidden or personal collection of treats.

snack repository

Replaces specific contents with a broader term, "snack".

treat receptacle

Focuses on the function as a container for treats.

candy bowl

Switches the item stored to "candy" and the container to a "bowl".

pastry storage

A more general term referring to where pastries are stored.

baking supply

Broadly refers to a place that keeps baking supplies.

FAQs

What does "cookie jar" mean in the context of computer science?

In computer science, a "cookie jar" refers to the storage space for browser cookies, which are small pieces of data used to remember information about you. It's analogous to a physical "cookie jar" that holds digital cookies.

How can I use "cookie jar" in a sentence?

You can use "cookie jar" to refer to a literal container for cookies, as in "She reached into the "cookie jar" for a snack". It can also be used figuratively, like "Politicians should not have their hands in the "cookie jar"", meaning they shouldn't be misusing public funds.

What is a synonym for "cookie jar"?

Synonyms for "cookie jar" include "biscuit tin", "cooky jar", or more generally, a "sweet treat container".

What does it mean when someone is caught with their hand in the "cookie jar"?

Being caught with your hand in the "cookie jar" implies being caught doing something wrong or illicit, similar to being caught stealing cookies. It often refers to misuse of funds or abuse of power.