Figurative meaning
used to accept someone's explanation, proposal, or point as reasonable
Word picture
The expression performs an act of agreement or acceptance in conversation.
Example
“"You need the car for work? Fair enough; that is a reasonable explanation," I replied.”
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
- “Fair enough” — 815 recorded occurrences
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
do your own thing
CEFR B1follow your own preferences rather than conforming to what others do
easy does it
CEFR B1used to tell someone to proceed slowly, gently, or carefully
enough is enough
CEFR B1used to say that something unwelcome must stop because you will tolerate no more
it's a small world
CEFR B1used to express surprise at an unexpected connection or meeting
long time no see
CEFR B1a friendly greeting to someone you have not seen for a long time
mind your own business
CEFR B1stop interfering in someone else's private affairs
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.