💬 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:
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“Put in” – to contribute or insert something (like advice or a statement)
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“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:
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Someone is applying for a job or position
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You want to help someone get into a school or program
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You're asking someone to boost another's image or chance of success
💼 Common settings:
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Job interviews
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School admissions
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Networking events
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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
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I don't have much experience, but my professor promised to put in a good word for me at the publishing house.
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Could you put in a good word for my brother at your company? He's really talented.
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The landlord was hesitant, but the neighbor put in a good word for us, and we got the apartment!
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My coach said he’d put in a good word for me with the national team scouts.
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She didn’t get the scholarship, even though two teachers put in a good word for her.
🧠 Tips and Memory Aids
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🎤 Visual Cue: Imagine dropping a glowing "good word" into someone's ear like a golden coin.
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📱 Acronym Trick: PIAGW4 – Put In A Good Word For (silly, but helps on quizzes!)
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🔄 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!