Definition

Noun: 1. A sweet, spiced mixture of finely chopped ingredients, traditionally including raisins, apples, suet, and spices, used as a filling for pies. This mixture is often associated with mince pies, especially during the Christmas season. Historically, it sometimes contained meat, but modern versions are typically fruit-based. 2. (Figurative) A state of being utterly defeated or destroyed. This meaning is almost exclusively used in the idiom "to make mincemeat of."

Examples

• Literal meaning:
  • The recipe for the mincemeat calls for currants, candied peel, and a dash of brandy.
  • She spent the afternoon preparing the mincemeat for the holiday pies.
• Figurative meaning (in idiom):
  • The experienced lawyer made mincemeat of the witness's testimony during cross-examination.
  • Our team made mincemeat of their opponents, winning the game 7-0.

Advanced Usage

• "To make mincemeat of (someone/something)": To defeat, destroy, or criticize someone or something completely and decisively.
  • The new evidence made mincemeat of the prosecution's case.
  • The critic's harsh review made mincemeat of the author's latest novel.

Variants and Related Words

• Mince pie (n): A small pie filled with mincemeat.
  • We always have mince pies with cream on Christmas Eve.

Synonyms

• Filling: A mixture used to fill a pastry or cake.
• Mash: A soft mass made by crushing something (though this lacks the specific sweet, spiced connotation).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Make mincemeat of: As defined in "Advanced Usage" above. This is the primary phrasal/idiomatic use of the word.

Noun

1. spiced mixture of chopped raisins and apples and other ingredients with or without meat