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✅ What Does “Put in a Good Word For” Mean? Definition, Origin & Everyday Usage Explained

💬 What Does "Put in a Good Word For" Mean?

To put in a good word for someone means to recommend them positively, often to help them get a job, opportunity, or favor. You're essentially speaking up in their favor to someone in authority or influence.

👉 Example:
"My cousin is applying for a job at your company—could you put in a good word for her?"


🏛 Origin or Background of the Idiom

The idiom put in a good word for has roots in social and professional networking that date back to the 1700s. Back then, one's reputation relied heavily on what others said about them. A single "good word" from a respected person could open doors.

The phrase combines:

  • Put in” – to contribute or insert something (like advice or a statement)

  • A good word” – a favorable opinion or recommendation

Though its exact origin is unclear, it has long been part of English-speaking cultures that value referrals and personal endorsements.


🧠 When and How to Use the Idiom

You use put in a good word for in situations where:

  • Someone is applying for a job or position

  • You want to help someone get into a school or program

  • You're asking someone to boost another's image or chance of success

💼 Common settings:

  • Job interviews

  • School admissions

  • Networking events

  • Asking for favors

🗣 Who says it?
Everyone—from students to CEOs. It’s polite, helpful, and casually professional.


📋 Tone and Formality

Formality: Neutral to semi-formal
Tone: Supportive, polite, and friendly

It’s perfectly fine in both spoken and written English—just don’t use it in highly technical or legal documents.


✍️ 5 Original Sentence Examples

  1. I don't have much experience, but my professor promised to put in a good word for me at the publishing house.

  2. Could you put in a good word for my brother at your company? He's really talented.

  3. The landlord was hesitant, but the neighbor put in a good word for us, and we got the apartment!

  4. My coach said he’d put in a good word for me with the national team scouts.

  5. She didn’t get the scholarship, even though two teachers put in a good word for her.


🧠 Tips and Memory Aids

  • 🎤 Visual Cue: Imagine dropping a glowing "good word" into someone's ear like a golden coin.

  • 📱 Acronym Trick: PIAGW4 – Put In A Good Word For (silly, but helps on quizzes!)

  • 🔄 Link It: “Put in” = add something → “a good word” = praise → Add praise = recommend someone!


😂 Funny Memory Story: The Talking Parrot

Imagine a man trying to impress a hiring manager. He brings his pet parrot, who blurts out:
"Hire Bob! He’s punctual and brings snacks!"
Surprised but amused, the manager says, “Well, your bird just put in a good word for you!”

Moral? You don’t need a parrot, but a kind word from someone else can land you the job. 🦜✅


📚 Wrap-Up: Keep Learning Idioms!

Now that you’ve mastered the idiom put in a good word for, why stop there? Check out more fun and useful idioms in our Everyday English Idioms Collection to boost your vocabulary and sound more natural in conversations!

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