go for a burton

English

Etymology

Originated in the RAF in World War II. Unknown beyond that, but may have some association with beer.

Verb

go for a burton

1. (British, of a person) To be killed
2. (British, of a person or object) to be lost, spoiled or destroyed.

References

• Michael Quinion (2004) “Go for a burton”, in Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books in association with Penguin Books, →ISBN.