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What is the meaning of the Rosh Hashanah greeting Shanah tovah u-metuqah?

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Circular diagram of the Jewish religious year showing Hebrew months around the outer ring and Gregorian months inside, with major holidays and fasts such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover, and Purim labeled with their dates. — Jewish religious year The months and holidays of the Jewish religious year.

The Rosh Hashanah greeting shanah tovah u-metuqah translates to "a good and sweet new year." This phrase reflects the holiday's traditions, such as dipping challah bread and apples in honey, which are performed in the hope of experiencing a sweet year ahead.1