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What the Doctor Ordered

What Does "What the Doctor Ordered" Mean?

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"What the doctor ordered" is an English idiom. It means "exactly what was needed or wanted."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "what the doctor ordered" used in a sentence:
  • This vacation is just what the doctor ordered.
  • A good night's sleep was what the doctor ordered after such a tiring day.
meaning for what the doctor ordered

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "What the Doctor Ordered" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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