Solid
Meaning: Reliable, dependable, good quality, or a favor done for someone.
'Solid' in American slang means reliably good. A 'solid plan' is well thought out. A 'solid dude' is someone you can count on. 'Do me a solid' means 'do me a favor.' It implies firmness and dependability — nothing flashy, just consistently good and trustworthy.
Examples
- He's a solid guy — you can always count on him. 他是个靠谱的人——随时都能指望他。Es un tío de fiar — siempre puedes contar con él.彼は信頼できるやつだ——いつも頼りになる。그는 믿을 수 있는 사람이야——언제든 의지할 수 있어.
- That was a solid performance — really well done. 那场表演很扎实——真的很棒。Fue una actuación sólida — realmente bien hecho.あれはしっかりしたパフォーマンスだった——本当にお見事。정말 탄탄한 공연이었어——대단했어.
- Can you do me a solid and pick up some milk on the way home? 帮个忙,回家路上买点牛奶行吗?¿Me puedes hacer un favor y comprar leche de camino a casa?お願いなんだけど、帰りに牛乳買ってきてくれない?부탁 하나만 할게, 집에 오는 길에 우유 좀 사다 줄래?
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: approval, reliability, favors
Tone: approving, dependable
✓ Do Say
- That's solid advice.这个建议很靠谱。Es un consejo muy acertado.That's solid advice.(それは確かなアドバイスだね。)좋은 조언이야.
- Can you do me a solid?能帮我个忙吗?¿Me puedes hacer un favor?Can you do me a solid?(ちょっとお願いしてもいい?)부탁 하나만 해도 돼?
✗ Don't Say
- 'Do me a solid' is casual — don't use it with your boss or in formal requests'Do me a solid'很随意——不要对老板或在正式请求中使用'Do me a solid' es muy informal — no lo uses con tu jefe ni en peticiones formales「do me a solid」はカジュアルな表現——上司やフォーマルなお願いには使わないこと'Do me a solid'는 캐주얼한 표현이다 — 상사나 공식적인 부탁에서는 사용하지 말자
Origin & History
The approval meaning ('that's solid') dates to mid-20th century American English. 'Do me a solid' (a favor) became popular in the 1990s-2000s, possibly from Seinfeld and similar shows.
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Everyday Expressions
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free