All well and good
phrase
Something is acceptable but could be better or further improved.
It's all well and good to apologize, but actions speak louder than words.
Often appears as...
- it's all well and good
- that's all well and good
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
phrase
Something seems good in theory, but may not be practical or useful.
Having a universal healthcare system is all well and good on paper, but implementing it is another matter entirely.
Often appears as...
- is all well and good
- seems all well and good
Usage tips
Skeptical
Idiomatic
phrase
Something is acceptable but could be better or further improved.
It's all well and good to apologize, but actions speak louder than words.
Often appears as...
- it's all well and good
- that's all well and good
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
phrase
Something seems good in theory, but may not be practical or useful.
Having a universal healthcare system is all well and good on paper, but implementing it is another matter entirely.
Often appears as...
- is all well and good
- seems all well and good
Usage tips
Skeptical
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Underlying Expectation
It suggests that more action is expected beyond what has been mentioned.
Saying sorry is all well and good, but you should also fix the mistake.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Used more in casual conversation rather than formal or written English.
Keeping a diary is all well and good, but you also need to talk to friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Slight Skepticism
Implies a hint of doubt or skepticism about the situation being enough.
It's all well and good that you've started, but will you keep going?
Pro Tip 1/3Underlying Expectation
It suggests that more action is expected beyond what has been mentioned.
Saying sorry is all well and good, but you should also fix the mistake.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Used more in casual conversation rather than formal or written English.
Keeping a diary is all well and good, but you also need to talk to friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Slight Skepticism
Implies a hint of doubt or skepticism about the situation being enough.
It's all well and good that you've started, but will you keep going?
Pro Tip 1/3Underlying Expectation
It suggests that more action is expected beyond what has been mentioned.
Saying sorry is all well and good, but you should also fix the mistake.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Used more in casual conversation rather than formal or written English.
Keeping a diary is all well and good, but you also need to talk to friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Slight Skepticism
Implies a hint of doubt or skepticism about the situation being enough.
It's all well and good that you've started, but will you keep going?
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