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Word meaning please

Posted by Shae on July 24, 2003

In Reply to: Word meaning please posted by Barbara on July 24, 2003

: What is the history of the saying 'London to a brick'?

I hadn't heard it before. Based on the results of a Google search, it seems to be Australian.

Phrase 'London to a brick on,' (of an outcome) extremely likely: It's London to a brick on that he'll chicken out. [popularised by race-caller Ken Howard who used it to unofficially announce winners in a tight finish while awaiting the official decision. In racing parlance it is a statement of betting odds in which a punter is so certain of the outcome that they are willing to bet London to win a measly brick. Many people unaware of betting lingo leave out the vital word on, thus making the phrase the opposite of what is intended, i.e. the odds of laying a brick to win all of London, not much of a risk]

www.macquariedictionary.com.au/p/dictionary/slang-l.html

And from a speech by Philip Ruddock (Australian MP):

Ladies and gentlemen, as we say in Australia, "it is London to a brick" that immigration will become increasingly important for Australia and, I believe, for the UK.

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