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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
soup's on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
The new Cuisinart DLC-X Plus is a 20-cup food processor -- that's "soup's on" for a typical family of 14 -- with a one-and-a-half-horsepower motor.
News & Media
Soup's on.
News & Media
In the meantime, soup's on.
News & Media
Finally she told me, 'Just take them all.' " Soup's on every Wednesday through April 13 beginning at 5 30 p.m. and ending when the tureens run dry.
News & Media
Sometimes you hear the soup's on the table and it's too hot to eat, and by the time the news gets to you it's in the freezer".
News & Media
Thomas Keller: Soup's on.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
It is immediately clear why this soup is on Lonely Planet's Top 10 list of the world's hottest foods.
News & Media
Except, that is, when "Theater Soup" is on the menu.
News & Media
FOR researchers interested in the workings of the subatomic and astrophysical realms, soup is on the menu.
News & Media
The president, he said, was not aware of the ruckus about the visit or, for that matter, that the soup was on the menu.
News & Media
Besides accepting my friend's packages, the restaurant staff routinely calls her at the office to alert her when her favorite mushroom barley soup is on the menu.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "soup's on" in informal settings or to create a welcoming, homey atmosphere, especially when referring to food being ready.
Common error
Avoid using "soup's on" literally if you aren't actually serving soup. This phrase is an idiom that generally means something is ready, but it is best used when referring to meals or situations analogous to them.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "soup's on" functions as an interjection or an announcement. Ludwig's examples show its use to signal that a meal is ready and available.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Wiki
30%
Less common in
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "soup's on" is an idiomatic expression used to announce that a meal is ready, primarily in informal settings. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable, though not very common in broader usage. It's a friendly and inviting way to let people know it's time to eat. While Ludwig's examples are limited, they are all sourced from reputable news outlets, showing usage in informal contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "dinner is served" or "food is ready", which may be more suitable in formal situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
dinner is served
More formal and directly indicates the availability of a meal.
food is ready
A straightforward statement that the food preparation is complete.
it's chow time
More informal and playful, suggesting it's time to eat.
grub's up
British slang with similar meaning, indicating food is ready.
come and get it
An invitation to partake in something that is available.
the meal is prepared
A formal way to announce that the meal preparation is complete.
time to eat
A general expression indicating the start of mealtime.
let's eat
An invitation to start eating a meal together.
the spread is ready
Suggests a large or elaborate meal is available.
we're serving
Indicates that a service, often food-related, is available.
FAQs
What does "soup's on" mean?
Soup's on is an idiomatic expression that means food, usually dinner, is ready to be served and eaten. It's a casual way of announcing that a meal is prepared.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "soup's on"?
It's appropriate to use "soup's on" in informal settings to announce that a meal is ready. It's best suited for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider using "dinner is served" in formal situation.
What can I say instead of "soup's on"?
You can use alternatives like "dinner is served", "food is ready", or "it's chow time", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.
Is "soup's on" grammatically correct?
Yes, "soup's on" is grammatically correct as an idiomatic expression. It's a shortened form of "soup is on", and it is widely accepted in informal communication.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested