all Sir Garnet
English
WOTD – 25 March 2016
A photographic portrait of Sir Garnet Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, a general in the British Army from whose name the expression is derived
Etymology
From Sir Garnet Wolseley (1833–1913), a popular and successful general in the British Army during the second half of the 19th century.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɔːl sɜː(ɹ) ˈɡɑː(ɹ)nət/
- Hyphenation: all Sir Gar‧net
Adjective
- (British, slang, dated) In order; perfect.
- 1905, Longman's Magazine, volume 46, page 152:
- Righto; that’s all Sir Garnet. I like to see you civvies act up to your name.
- 1907, The Lone Hand, volume 2, page 554:
- Yes, Harry was all Sir Garnet on handles: butt-end loaded with lead, inlaid in all sorts of fancy-work — hearts, shamrocks, monograms and that sort of thing.
- 1913, Compton Mackenzie, Youth's Encounter, Bell & Cockburn:
- “That’s all Sir Garnet, and don’t you make no mistake. Don’t you — make no mistake.” Here Mrs. Frith gave a very loud hiccup and waved her arms and did not even say “beg pardon” for the offensive noise.
Synonyms
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