glutton for punishment
Meaning(s)
1. eager to take on difficult or challenging tasks
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
he/she is a glutton for punishment
Analysis
A 'glutton' is a greedy or excessive eater. A 'glutton for punishment' is someone who is greedy for unpleasant or difficult tasks. Someone who is a 'glutton for punishment' may choose the more difficult option than an easier one in order to get a better result. You will hear this used in social and professional contexts.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Tom was working late every night. When he started working weekends, everyone thought he was just a glutton for punishment. It was crazy!
- I volunteered to do a lot of extra work on this project and to be in charge of the social committee. I must be a glutton for punishment.
Social Examples (Advance)
- You're a glutton for punishment, the man told his wife when she volunteered to organise a street party for the neighbours.
- When the student opted to take an extra module in final year, his lecturer told him he was a glutton for punishment.