fall off the back of a lorry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fall off the back of a lorry’ mean?
The idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" means to acquire something dishonestly or illegally, typically referring to stolen goods or contraband that are obtained from unknown sources.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "hop the wag" means to escape or sneak away, often from a situation or responsibility. It is similar to the idiom "jump ship" and is believed to originate from wagons used in transportation.
The idiom "give someone the slip" means to escape or elude someone's pursuit or surveillance.
The idiom "get the goods on" means to obtain incriminating or damaging evidence against someone or to gather information that can be used against them.
The idiom "get taken in" means to be deceived or fooled by someone or something. It implies being tricked or misled into believing something that is not true.
The idiom "get into the wrong hands" means that something has fallen into the possession or control of someone who will misuse or mishandle it in some way.
The idiom "get away with" means to do something wrong or illegal without being caught or punished.
The idiom "fall over" means to lose one's balance and collapse, often due to tripping, stumbling, or fainting.
The idiom "fall off the wagon" means to resume a bad habit or addiction after a period of abstinence or recovery.
The idiom "fall off the back of a truck" means to acquire something illegally, often referring to stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means.
Lorry Loot or Ill-Gotten Goods?
The idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" is primarily used in British English. It means acquiring something illegally or without paying for it. It is often used to imply that the item in question was stolen or obtained through illicit means.
The origins of this idiom are not definitively known, but it is believed to have derived from the practice of thieves stealing goods from the back of delivery lorries. The idiom likely emerged as a way to humorously refer to the act of stealing or acquiring items without proper authorization.
The idiom "fall off the back of a truck" is a similar idiomatic expression used in American English. It has the same meaning as "fall off the back of a lorry," referring to the acquisition of goods through illegal or questionable means.
The idiom "fall off a truck" is also used in American English, with a similar meaning to the previous idioms. It suggests that the item in question is of dubious origin, possibly stolen or acquired without proper authorization.
The idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" is predominantly used in the United Kingdom and is less commonly encountered in other English-speaking countries. It is often employed in colloquial and casual conversation, particularly when discussing suspicious or inexplicably acquired goods.
As with many idioms, the exact origins and early usage of "fall off the back of a lorry" are difficult to trace with certainty. However, usage of the phrase can be found in various literary works, newspaper articles, and other sources throughout the 20th century, indicating that it has been a well-established idiom for several decades.
Similarly, the idioms "fall off the back of a truck" and "fall off a truck" are commonly used in American English, particularly in casual conversation. These idioms convey the same idea of acquiring items through dubious means, such as theft or unauthorized acquisition.
Overall, the idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" is an intriguing expression with a colorful history and connotation. While its exact origins may remain a mystery, its usage and meaning have become firmly ingrained in the British lexicon. The idiom continues to be used today, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone, to describe the acquisition of goods obtained through questionable means.
Example usage
1. He always seems to have the latest designer clothes, but I have a feeling they fell off the back of a lorry.
2. The new electronics store in town is selling brand-name products at ridiculously low prices. I suspect they're falling off the back of a lorry.
3. My friend suddenly showed up with a new television that looks expensive. I'm certain it fell off the back of a lorry.
More "Theft" idioms
