The Village Idiom

best pleased

"Best pleased" is an idiom that means to be extremely satisfied or delighted with something. It conveys a sense of great happiness or contentment with a particular situation or outcome.

Filed under B

In a sentence

  • He wasn't best pleased when he found out his flight had been cancelled.
  • She was best pleased with the results of her hard work.
  • They won't be best pleased if we arrive late to the meeting.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "best pleased" is a phrase that conveys extreme satisfaction or happiness. It can also be used in the negative form "not best pleased" to express displeasure or annoyance. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to at least the 17th century in the English language.

One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is that it stems from the idea that being pleased to the highest degree would be considered the best possible state of satisfaction. This interpretation aligns with the use of the term "best" to indicate the highest or superlative degree of something. However, there is no clear evidence to support this explanation.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have its roots in the religious belief that expressing excessive or extreme pleasure is not appropriate or acceptable. In this context, being "best pleased" would imply an excessive or exaggerated display of happiness. This interpretation aligns with the historical context of the phrase's usage, particularly in religious or moral contexts.

It is worth noting that the idiom "best pleased" is primarily used in British English. It is less commonly used in American English, where alternatives such as "extremely happy" or "overjoyed" may be more prevalent. This difference in usage can be attributed to the variations in idiomatic expressions between the two dialects.

While the exact origin of the idiom remains uncertain, it has become a commonly used phrase in the English language. It carries a strong connotation of extreme satisfaction or displeasure, depending on the context in which it is used. The idiom's longevity and widespread usage reflect its enduring relevance in contemporary communication.

Furthermore, there are several related idioms that share a similar sentiment to "best pleased." One such idiom is "pleased with oneself," which refers to a person being satisfied or content with their own accomplishments or actions. It implies a sense of self-satisfaction or pride in one's achievements.

In addition, the idiom "best of the bunch" has a similar meaning to "best pleased." It refers to being the most excellent or outstanding out of a group. It implies a sense of superiority or exceptional quality, much like the extreme satisfaction conveyed by the idiom "best pleased."

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.