The Village Idiom

Mexican breakfast

An idiom referring to a situation or event that appears to be chaotic, disorganized, or confusing.

Food & drink · Filed under M

In a sentence

  • He sure had a Mexican breakfast this morning, with a plate full of huevos rancheros, beans, and tortillas.
  • The loud construction noise outside my window woke me up like a Mexican breakfast.
  • Her schedule is always packed from early morning to late evening, she's like a Mexican breakfast.

Where it comes from and how it is used

Mexican breakfast is not your typical morning meal. It's not a bowl of cereal or a plate of scrambled eggs. No, Mexican breakfast is a whole different animal. When you think of a Mexican breakfast, you might picture a table filled with huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and tamales. It's a feast of flavors and textures, a symphony of spices and ingredients that come together to create a culinary masterpiece.

But Mexican breakfast is more than just food. It's a cultural experience, a celebration of tradition and heritage. It's a chance to start the day in a way that is unique to Mexican culture. And just like the flavors and ingredients that make up a Mexican breakfast, there are idioms in the English language that capture the essence of this meal.

One such idiom is "in a right state." This idiom is used to describe something that is in a state of chaos or disarray. It's like a Mexican breakfast that has been thrown together haphazardly, with eggs and tortillas and salsa all mixed together in a messy heap. When you're in a right state, everything is jumbled and confused, just like the flavors and textures of a Mexican breakfast.

Another idiom that captures the essence of Mexican breakfast is "dog's breakfast." This idiom is used to describe something that is a complete mess or disaster. It's like a Mexican breakfast that has been devoured by a hungry pack of dogs, leaving nothing but scraps and crumbs. When something is a dog's breakfast, it's chaotic and unsightly, just like the aftermath of a Mexican breakfast.

And then there's "soup sandwich." This idiom is used to describe something that is extremely messy or disorganized. It's like a Mexican breakfast that has been transformed into a sandwich, with eggs and beans and cheese oozing out of every crevice. When something is a soup sandwich, it's a jumble of ingredients that don't quite fit together, just like a Mexican breakfast.

But let's not forget about "basket house." This idiom is used to describe something that is in a state of utter chaos or confusion. It's like a Mexican breakfast that has been knocked over and scattered across the floor, with tortillas and salsa and avocados rolling in every direction. When something is a basket house, it's a mess of epic proportions, just like a Mexican breakfast.

And finally, we have "rat's nest." This idiom is used to describe something that is tangled or jumbled, like a mess of hair or a pile of cables. It's like a Mexican breakfast that has been left out for too long, with all the flavors and textures melding together into an indistinguishable mass. When something is a rat's nest, it's a tangle of confusion, just like a Mexican breakfast.

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