Idiom: cook the fatted calf

[shery]

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #3 "A piece of cake", question 6

As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to cook the fatted calf.

(a) have a big celebration
(b) go out for a meal
(c) employ a top chef
(d) eat as much as they liked

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #3 "A piece of cake", answer 6

As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to have a big celebration.

Correct answer: (a) have a big celebration
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please tell me the meaning of this idiom ? thanks

shery

[Mister Micawber]

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It is a Biblical reference. Again, from Wikipedia:

is a metaphor or symbol of festive celebration and rejoicing for someone's long-awaited return. It derives from the parable of the prodigal son in the New Testament. In biblical times, people would often keep at least one piece of livestock that was fed a special diet to fatten it up, thus making it more flavorful when prepared as a meal. Slaughtering this livestock was to be done on rare and special occasions. Thus when the prodigal son returns, the father "kills the fatted calf" to show that the celebration is out of the ordinary.

In modern usage, "killing the fatted calf" can simply mean to celebrate in an exuberant manner.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's