baker's dozen

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baker's dozen

A baker places thirteen rolls on the counter, offering a baker's dozen.

Definition

Noun: - A group of thirteen items: The term "baker's dozen" specifically means thirteen of something, not the standard twelve. It originates from a historical practice where bakers would add an extra loaf to a dozen to avoid penalties for selling short weight.

Usage
  • The term is used as a countable noun phrase to indicate a quantity of thirteen.
  • It is often used when referring to items sold or grouped together, emphasizing the bonus item.
Examples
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can be used figuratively to imply a little extra beyond what is strictly required or expected.
    • He did a baker's dozen of tasks, completing the ten assigned plus three more voluntarily.
Variants and Related Words
  • Dozen (noun): A group of twelve.
  • Thirteen (noun): The cardinal number 13.
Synonyms
  • Thirteen: The cardinal number.
  • Long dozen: An archaic synonym for a baker's dozen.
Notes
  • The phrase is a fixed idiom. Its meaning is always thirteen and is not typically broken down into the meanings of its individual words ("baker's" and "dozen") in modern usage.
  • It is considered a more colorful or traditional way of saying "thirteen," often used in commercial or historical contexts.
baker's dozen

A baker places thirteen rolls on the counter, offering a baker's dozen.

Noun
  1. the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one

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