Friday 13 July 2007

Phrase of the Day 116: 'one for the road'

"One for the road"


definition: a last drink before going home.

example:
Bob: "We should go home soon"
Jimmy: "Before we go, let's have one for the road"

origin: when prisoners were condemned to be hanged at Tyburn in London they were taken there on a waggon. Their last request was to be given the choice of a drink at any ale house along the way. This was their 'one for the road'. One of the guards accompanying the prisoner was not allowed to go into the ale house and had to stay to mind the cart. He was described as being 'on the waggon' and could not have a drink, giving us another modern saying.

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