To be in clover

Origin

Imagine a sprawling pasture, lush with green clover, where cattle graze contentedly. This isn't just any plant; clover is incredibly nutritious and abundant, making livestock fat, healthy, and happy. When animals were "in clover," they were literally feasting on the best, enjoying a life of ease and plenty. This vivid scene, common in rural life, naturally extended into the human experience by the 17th century. To be "in clover" became a picturesque metaphor for anyone enjoying a life of luxurious comfort and prosperity, mirroring the serene contentment of a well-fed cow in a rich field.