acquire a taste for

Meaning

This expression means to gradually begin to like or appreciate something (such as a specific food, drink, style of music, or activity) that you did not initially enjoy or find appealing. It implies that appreciation requires time, exposure, or sophistication. The tone is neutral and versatile, suitable for both casual and polite conversations.

Examples

• It took me several years to acquire a taste for black coffee, but now I drink it every morning.

  It took me several years to acquire a taste for black coffee, but now I drink it every morning.

• Many people find they acquire a taste for classical music as they grow older.

  Many people find they acquire a taste for classical music as they grow older.

• Olives are quite bitter, so you might need some time to acquire a taste for them.

  Olives are quite bitter, so you might need some time to acquire a taste for them.

• She recently acquired a taste for modern art after visiting several galleries in Paris.

  She recently acquired a taste for modern art after visiting several galleries in Paris.

• I never liked spicy food as a child, but I eventually acquired a taste for it in college.

  I never liked spicy food as a child, but I eventually acquired a taste for it in college.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I got a taste for blue cheese after trying it many times.

  ✓ I acquired a taste for blue cheese after trying it many times.

  While 'get a taste for' exists, it usually means to experience something briefly or develop a sudden desire for it. 'Acquire a taste for' is the correct idiom for gradually learning to enjoy something you initially disliked.

• ✗ He acquired a taste of dry red wine.

  ✓ He acquired a taste for dry red wine.

  The correct preposition to use with this idiom is always 'for', never 'of' or 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Although I disliked sushi at first, I eventually managed to ___ it.

  💡 Gradually learn to like something.

  Show answer

  acquire a taste for

• It can take some time to ___ bitter IPAs and craft beers.

  💡 Develop a liking for a strong or unusual flavor.

  Show answer

  acquire a taste for