off like a bride's nightie

English

Etymology

A reference to the supposed eagerness of just-married couples to have sexual intercourse on the night of their wedding. Australian from 1960.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adjective

off like a bride's nightie (not comparable)

1. (Australia, slang, simile) Making a rapid departure; away. [From 1960.]

   Just before it was to be his shout, he was off like a bride′s nightie.

   • 1995, James Mitchell, So Far from Home, published 1997, page 216:

     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.

   • 1998, Harry Bowling, As Time Goes By, unnumbered page:

     ‘ […] 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.’

   • 2004, Mina Ford, My Fake Wedding, page 154:

     ‘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. […] ’

   1. (Australia, horse racing) Moving quickly and resolutely.

Usage notes

• Used only as a predicate.

Synonyms

• off like a prom dress

See also

• shoot through like a Bondi tram (verb)