| 单词 | up goes the donkey |
| 释义 | > as lemmas(a penny, etc., more and) up goes the donkey b. Colloquial phrases: (a penny, etc., more and) up goes the donkey, used with allusion to the cry of a travelling showman (see quot. 1889); to talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey (see talk v.). ΚΠ 1841 Punch 1 41/2 The report of Sir John Pullon, ‘as to the possibility of elevating an ass to the head of the poll by bribery and corruption’ is perfectly correct, provided there is no abatement in the price. Let him canvass again, and..if he will only stand ‘one penny more, up goes the donkey!’ 1889 A. Barrère & C. G. Leland Dict. Slang (1897) 304/2 ‘Three more and up goes the donkey’, that is, three pennies more and the donkey will go up the ladder. This phrase, used by mountebanks to denote that the performance will begin when the sum required is complete, is often said mockingly to a braggart to imply disbelief. 1913 M. Beerbohm Let. 11 Mar. (1964) 222 They earnestly hope to raise the sum of £500; after which ‘up goes the donkey’, I suppose. 1970 Brewer's Dict. Phrase & Fable 336/2 Two more and up goes the donkey, an old cry at fairs, the showman having promised his credulous hearers that as soon as enough pennies are collected his donkey will balance himself on the top of a pole or ladder. < as lemmas |
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