dine out on

Idioms

Be invited to dinner because of something one knows about and can discuss. For example, “In a couple of years you will be dining out on this murder” (Ngaio Marsh, A Man Lay Dead, 1934). [First half of 1900s] Also see eat out; sing for one's supper.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Almost a third of Bethell's runs from his eight-Test career came in his breakthrough hundred in Sydney, a knock he cannot dine out on forever.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The Television Academy has around 19,000 voting members, including a core group who dine out on these events four months a year.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2023

Animal geeks will dine out on the rich anecdotes, the historical detours and pithy footnotes, all propelling his momentum.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2022

He will dine out on this for a long time.

From Slate • May 7, 2022

I never dine out on Wednesdays, if I can help it.

From The Golden Web by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023