I could do with a cookie actually

.
.

A: I’ve run out of money altogether. I was so busy doing
my accounts I didn’t have time to get to the bank today.

B: I’ll give you some money.

A: From your piggy bank?

B: No, from here.

A: Oh, no. That’s the cookie jar. I could do with a cookie actually, but this has no money in it.

B: Ha, ha, ha, oh yes it has. I’ve hidden some money in here as well.

A: Ha, you hide your money everywhere, don’t you?

B: Aha. How much do you need?

A: Oh, 5 dollars. I pay you back.

B: Oh, you don’t have to do that. You can keep it.

A: Oh, no, no, as soon as I get a chance to get to the bank, I pay you back.

.
.
.




I could do with a cookie actually, ← ← ←

What does “I could do with a cookie actually” mean in this dialogue?

Thank you

3 Likes

“I would benefit from a cookie.” or “A cookie would be nice.”
This is an understatement of saying he would like a cookie, without actually asking for one, since A has not offered one.

A more straightforward usage of the phrase would be “This room could do with some new curtains.”

BTW, a cookie jar is the traditional place in a household to stash money you’re saving up.
A above is “getting some money out of the cookie jar.”

“Raiding the cookie jar” would be taking or using money that was saved up for some other purpose. This phrase would apply to families, but also used for major corporations.

3 Likes

Thank you so much, Arinker :rose:

Very nice.

3 Likes

Hi rezaforu,

  • In Britain people would say: ‘I really fancy a biscuit right now.’
3 Likes

Thank you so much, Masme :rose:

Very nice.

3 Likes

As usual, you’re very welcome!

2 Likes