Save Room: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
February 23, 2024

"Save room" is often used when eating, suggesting that one should not eat too much of one thing to have enough appetite or space left to enjoy something else, typically dessert. For instance, during a meal, someone might advise, "Save room for dessert," meaning that you should not fill up completely on the main course to enjoy a sweet treat at the end. This phrase can be applied metaphorically in other contexts to mean reserving or sparing capacity, time, or resources for something else that is coming up.

In short:

  • It commonly means to leave enough appetite for another course, especially dessert.
  • It can be used metaphorically to discuss reserving time, space, or resources.

What Does "Save Room" Mean?

"Save room" generally refers to conserving or managing one's appetite during a meal to ensure there is still space left for subsequent courses, like dessert. It's practical advice often given in a dining context to remind someone not to overindulge in one part of a meal so they can fully enjoy all parts of it. Metaphorically, it can extend to other areas of life, implying the need to reserve or allocate resources, such as time, energy, or money, for future needs or activities.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • Focuses on the concept of balance and anticipation in consumption or usage.
  • Encourages enjoying the present while also preparing for future enjoyment.
  • In non-food contexts, it's about managing resources wisely to accommodate future needs.

Where Does "Save Room" Come From?

The phrase "save room" likely originated from the common dining experience of having multiple courses in a meal, where it's advisable to manage one's appetite to enjoy each course fully. The concept of saving something for later use is a basic principle in resource management, whether the resource is food, time, or something else. The literal idea of saving physical space in one's stomach for more food translates well into other areas where reservation and foresight are required.

10 Examples of "Save Room" in Sentences

Here are some examples showing how "save room" can be used in various contexts:

  • He lapped up the soup but saved room for the main course.
  • She said, “It’s cool; I saved room for dessert.”
  • I'm saving room in my schedule next week for our project meetings.
  • She had been saving room for the cake ever since she saw it on the table.
  • In your budget, always save room for unexpected expenses.
  • They saved room in their garden to plant spring flowers.
  • During the feast, he reminded his guests to save room for dessert.
  • When planning your day, save room for some relaxation and downtime.
  • I'm saving room in my new bookshelf for more books I intend to buy.
  • He enjoyed the salad but knew it was rich in fiber, and he had to save room for the meat.

Examples of "Save Room" in Pop Culture

Managing space or resources is often referenced in movies, TV shows, and literature, particularly in scenes involving meals or planning.

Some examples include:

  • "Save Room for Pie: Food Songs and Chewy Ruminations" by Jr. Roy Blount explores the joy of eating with humorous and insightful essays on food, including the suggestion to always save room for pie.
  • In the film "Crazy Stupid Love" (2011), a character romantically advises, "Save room for a moment to be with me," highlighting a moment of intimacy and connection.
  • John Legend's song "Save Room" is about inviting a loved one to make space for their relationship.
  • The TV series "Save Room for Dessert" (2017–) features Tiffany Carlson, Liam Owens, and Brooke Dalton, focusing on a group of roommates who share their love for baking through a vlog.
  • An article on Destructoid introduces "Save Room: The Merchant," a game that continues the intense inventory management action, demonstrating the popularity of the inventory organization genre in gaming.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Save Room"

Here are some alternative phrases with similar meanings:

  • Leave space
  • Reserve room
  • Keep some space
  • Hold back
  • Make room for
  • Set aside some space
  • Conserve space
  • Don't fill up
  • Keep a spot for
  • Plan for more

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Save Room":

  • What does "save room" mean?

"Save room" typically means to manage one's consumption or usage of something to allow space or capacity for something else later.

  • Is "save room" always about food?

No, while often used in the context of eating, it can also apply to other areas where resource management is important.

  • Can "save room" be used in planning events?

Yes, it can be used to suggest reserving time or space for particular activities during an event.

  • How can I use "save room" in a sentence?

"Remember to save room in your suitcase for any gifts you might buy."

  • Is it a formal or informal phrase?

It's a fairly informal phrase and is commonly used in casual conversation.

  • Does "save room" imply anticipation?

Yes, it often carries a sense of looking forward to something else that is coming.

  • Can "save room" be applied to financial planning?

Absolutely, it can refer to setting aside budget space for future expenses.

  • Is "save room" a common phrase?

Yes, it's a common and widely understood phrase in many English-speaking cultures.

  • Can "save room" be used in time management?

Yes, it can be used to suggest keeping a portion of one's schedule open for future tasks or

activities.

  • Does "save room" always refer to something positive?

Not necessarily, but it often implies a positive or enjoyable thing that is worth making space for.

Final Thoughts About "Save Room"

The idiom "save room" encourages moderating present consumption or use to accommodate future pleasures or requirements. It serves as a useful tip in concrete and figurative situations, advising a balance between enjoying the moment and preparing for what lies ahead.

To recap:

  • It's commonly used to remind someone to manage their appetite or resources to enjoy something else later.
  • It can be applied to various areas, such as eating, planning, and budgeting.
  • The phrase is casual and widely understood in many English-speaking cultures.

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