Is “cut and come again” understood outside Australia?

Question

Although I haven't read the Australian children's book "The Magic Pudding", I'm familiar with the phrase "cut and come again" being used in it.

Is the phrase understood outside of Australia?

I have never heard the expression and can't even guess what it means. Could you explain it further and give a link to an example? Thanks. — chasly - supports Monica, Aug 1 '15 at 9:58

Julie Carter · Accepted Answer · 2015-08-01 10:48:42Z

Yes, the phrase, 'cut-and-come-again' is definitely used in the UK, usually to refer to types of vegetable or yummy chocolate cakes.

Here are some definitions:

a garden plant, especially a green vegetable or a flower, that can be repeatedly cut or harvested

'cut-and-come-again spinach'

Source: ODO

abundant supply, from the notion of cutting a slice, and returning at will for another

'It was cut, roast, and come again, for the next hour and a half.'

Examples of usage from the UK:

Ah - a word used by foodies. That explains why I haven't heard it. — chasly - supports Monica, Aug 1 '15 at 10:57

Joost Kiefte · Accepted Answer · 2015-08-01 11:00:23Z

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Obviously it means to encourage growth in plants by pruning.

answered Aug 1 '15 at 10:20

Joost Kiefte

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But in terms of cakes and puddings, which don't usually continue to grow, it means 'moreish' I suspect. – chasly - supports Monica Aug 2 '15 at 13:14
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Or maybe Nigella Lawson has miraculously contrived a yeasty cake that grows its cut off slices back on again? Jesus could do it, so perhaps she too, – Joost Kiefte Aug 2 '15 at 14:12
Well there are 'Jesus cakes' it seems - google.co.uk/… – chasly - supports Monica Aug 2 '15 at 23:18

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