off like a bride's nightie
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
A reference to the supposed eagerness of just-married couples to have sexual intercourse on the night of their wedding. Australian from 1960.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Adjective[edit]
off like a bride's nightie (not comparable)
- (Australia, slang, simile) Making a rapid departure; away. [From 1960.]
- Just before it was to be his shout, he was off like a bride′s nightie.
- 1995, James Mitchell, So Far from Home, published 1997, page 216:
- Missing because I′d been happy and didn′t need him, though I went to him fast enough when the happiness was over. Off like a bride′s nightie.
- 1998, Harry Bowling, As Time Goes By, unnumbered page:
- ‘ […] Tell me, are you still intending to join the armed forces?’
‘Soon as ever I can, judge,’ Joe told him firmly, ‘I′ll be off like a bride′s nightie.’
- 2004, Mina Ford, My Fake Wedding, page 154:
- ‘S′not that,’ she said, ‘It′s just if I give in so soon he′ll be off like a bride′s nightie. So I have to get it elsewhere, if you know what I mean. […] ’
- (Australia, horse racing) Moving quickly and resolutely.
Usage notes[edit]
- Used only as a predicate.