up goes the donkey
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Said to have originated from a travelling showman whose finale involved the hoisting of a donkey on a pole or ladder.
Phrase[edit]
- (obsolete) The performance begins.
Usage notes[edit]
- Used in conjunction with a required amount, to encourage the public to pay more money before the start of a show: e.g. "Twopence more, and up goes the donkey!"
References[edit]
- 1873, John Camden Hotten, The Slang Dictionary (under donkey)