be meat and drink to somebody

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right with the interpretation of the expressions in bold in the following sentences?

Flattery is meat and drink to them. They’ll listen to it for hours, (W. S. Maugham, “Sheppey”)

Other peoples business One day some one – Maxwell, I suppose…suggested that I doan article on Chicago’s vilest slum…for the next Sunday issue, and this was as good as meat and drink for me. (Th. Dreiser, “A Book about Myself”). (W. S. Maugham, “Complete Short Stories”)

be meat and drink to somebody = give a great pleasure to someone

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[Route21]

Hi Vil

Just a subtle enhancement to your suggestion:
"is meat and drink to them" = "is what they thrive on" (i.e. it not only gives them pleasure, but they "feed" on it and gain strength/reinforcement from it).

Hope this helps
Best regards
R21