Fair enough means that's reasonable, OK, I understand. You say it when you accept someone's argument or decision, even if you thought differently. A friend writes: I'm too tired to go out tonight. You reply: Fair enough, let's meet tomorrow then. The phrase is informal: natural in conversation and IELTS Speaking, but not needed in an essay.
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Fair enough.; That's fair enough.; Fair enough, but + clause; seem/sound fair enough
- If you'd rather work from home on Fridays, fair enough, but please keep your phone on.
- The room price seemed high at first, but after seeing the sea view, I thought it was fair enough.
- You want to leave early to avoid the traffic? Fair enough.
What changed
First versionShe said she needed a day to think, and I said that was enough fair.
RevisionShe said she needed a day to think, and I said that was fair enough.
Enough goes after an adjective: good enough, big enough, fair enough. Before a noun it comes first, as in enough time, but with adjectives the order is reversed. Only the word order has changed.
To be fair means if we're being fair, to be honest. You use it to soften your own criticism: The hotel was old, but to be fair, the staff were lovely. Fair enough is a reaction to what someone else has said. Watch your tone too: said flatly, fair enough can mean OK, if you say so, agreement without enthusiasm.
Your turn
My flatmate asked to pay his share of the rent on Friday because his salary arrives on Thursday. That sounded reasonable, so I said ___.
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fair enough — Your flatmate's reason is clear and seemed reasonable to you, so fair enough fits. Enough is enough means I've had enough and expresses irritation, not agreement.
A friend cancels your weekend plans and explains why. Write a reply with fair enough: accept their reason and suggest another day.
Fair enough, you need some rest after such a busy week; let's go to the cinema next Saturday instead.
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