Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Hunger fades as a person consumes food and drink. The proverb treats a loss of appetite as the expected result of satisfying it.
It can also make a practical point about timing: someone who fills up beforehand may have little interest in a meal offered later.
- When it is used
Use it when someone eats or drinks before a planned meal and then finds the meal less appealing. It can be a light, matter-of-fact response to a diminished appetite.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Eating and drinking takes away one's appetite.