stick to ribs

stick to the/(one's) ribs

Of food, to be hearty and sustaining. I'm sick of eating nothing but fruit and vegetables—give me something that will stick to the ribs. Have a bowl of my famous chili, it will stick to your ribs in this cold weather.
See also: rib, stick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stick to one's ribs

Fig. [for food] to last long and fortify one well; [for food] to sustain one even in the coldest weather. This oatmeal ought to stick to your ribs. You need something hearty on a cold day like this. I don't want just a salad! I want something that will stick to my ribs.
See also: rib, stick
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

stick to (one's) ribs

Informal
To be substantial or filling. Used of food.
See also: rib, stick
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • stick to the ribs
  • stick to the/(one's) ribs
  • stick to your ribs
  • guard against
  • guard against (someone or something)
  • root (something) in (something)
  • root in
  • eat for two
  • hearty
  • hale and hearty