Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[leslie]

Hi,

What do you say a guy who is single with a lot of money, having a successful career and a man of woman's dream? Do you have a term for that? Thank you in advance.

Leslie
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Less Is Blessed

[dragn]

Hi Leslie,

Well, technically any unmarried man is a bachelor, whether he is rich, successful and handsome or poor, unemployed and ugly.

One expression we have for an unmarried man whom many women would consider a highly desirable choice as a potential husband is an eligible bachelor. This suggests that not only is he available, but also especially desirable...presumably because he has at least some combination of the traits you mentioned.

We also say that a guy is a (real) catch. Same meaning: he's single and would be a great guy to marry, or catch, like you catch a fish. This expression can also be applied to a young woman who is equally desirable as a potential mate; and in spite of the cold, wet, slippery image it calls to mind, it has a very positive meaning.

Hope this helps.

Greg

[leslie]

Thank you, dragon!

Can I say 'a great catch' as well as ' a real catch'?

By the way, if he's a bachelor that is not desirable at all, i.e. poor, sloppy, that woman would be turned off, is there a phrase for that? Can I say 'he's a bad catch'?

Thank you again.

Leslie
_________________
Less Is Blessed

[dragn]

Yes, he's a great catch, a terrific catch, whatever--or just a catch. It's just that using real is quite common here.

No, I haven't heard people say a guy is a bad catch. Most expressions I can think of for an undesirable guy would apply to married guys as well. I mean, a guy could be a loser, a bum, a deadbeat, etc. However, I can't think of one that specifically applies to a single man.

Greg

[leslie]

Thank you, dragon. Now I understand.
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Less Is Blessed