measure the drapes

English

Etymology

After the election of a new President of the United States, the decor of the White House is changed to reflect the taste of the new administration. Historically the task has been left to the First Lady, the wife of the President. During the 1940 campaign for President, Senator Robert Taft of Ohio sought the Republican Party nomination. His wife, Martha Taft, gave an interview to the Evening Independent of St. Petersburg, Florida, in which she expressed certainty of his victory:

• 1940 February 19, Evening Independent, page 11:

  Martha Taft is sure that "Bob is going to get it." She is ready to answer questions in regular stump style, though she refuses to say whether she will change the drawing-room drapes in the White House.

Since Taft won neither the general election nor his party's nomination, the idea of "measuring the drapes" for installation in the White House became a metaphor for premature preparation for victory, or over-confidence.

Pronunciation

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Verb

measure the drapes (third-person singular simple present measures the drapes, present participle measuring the drapes, simple past and past participle measured the drapes)

1. (idiomatic) To make premature or unwarranted preparations for victory, especially election to public office.
   • 1988 October 15, New York Times:

     While Republicans like Gov. Michael Castle of Delaware exulted that "I think Bush can start measuring the curtains for the White House," the mood among Democrats was somber.

Synonyms

• (premature celebration of victory): measure the curtains