off like a bride's nightie en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
A reference to the supposed eagerness of just-married couples to have sexual intercourse on the night of their wedding. Australian from 1960.
Meanings
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(Australia, not-comparable, qualifier:simile, slang) Making a rapid departure; away.
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.
1995, James Mitchell, So Far from Home, published 1997, page 216:Just before it was to be his shout, he was off like a bride′s nightie.
‘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.[…]’
2004, Mina Ford, My Fake Wedding, page 154:‘[…]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.’
1998, Harry Bowling, As Time Goes By, unnumbered page:
- (Australia, not-comparable, qualifier:simile, slang) Making a rapid departure; away. ▸ Moving quickly and resolutely.
Relateds
shoot through like a Bondi tram