around Robin Hood's barn

English

Etymology

Reference to Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw, whose barn was simply the fields and pastures surrounding Sherwood forest, his home. “Around Robin Hood’s barn” simply means all around the countryside, all through the fields and pastures.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

around Robin Hood's barn

1. (idiomatic) the long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route
2. (idiomatic) all over the place

See also

• all over Hell’s half acre
• all the way to Egery and back