long drink: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘long drink’ mean?
The idiom "long drink" refers to a refreshing alcoholic beverage that is typically long in size or volume. It is often used to describe a tall glass of mixed drink, such as a highball or a cocktail served over ice.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to consume a large quantity of alcohol, usually resulting in getting drunk or excessively intoxicated.
Tie one on is a common idiom in American English that refers to getting drunk or excessively intoxicated. The phrase is informal and colloquial.
The idiom "prop up the bar" means to stand or sit at a bar for an extended period of time, often while drinking alcohol. It implies a sense of leisure or indulgence.
The idiom "on the wagon" means to abstain from drinking alcohol or to be not drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking.
The phrase "on the wagon" is often used to describe someone who has stopped drinking alcohol. It originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century, but its exact origin is unclear.
The idiom "one too many" means to have or consume more of something than is considered acceptable or appropriate.
The idiom "one too many" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It can be found in various sources available on the internet, and here are the facts that can be stated with certainty about this idiom:
The idiom "old wine in a new bottle" means presenting something familiar or unchanged in a new or different way.
The idiom "off the wagon" refers to someone who has started drinking alcohol again after a period of sobriety or abstaining from alcohol. This phrase is often used to describe someone who has relapsed and is no longer maintaining their recovery from alcohol addiction.
The idiom "night out" is used to describe an evening spent away from home for entertainment or socializing purposes, typically involving activities such as going to a party, bar, restaurant, or attending a show.
The idiom "new wine in an old bottle" means presenting something new or different in a familiar or old-fashioned way.
The idiom "more than you can shake a stick at" means having an overwhelming or excessive amount of something.
Idiom: more than you can shake a stick at
Meaning: A large or excessive amount; more than one can handle or comprehend.
The Thirsty Pursuit
A long drink is a large, refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed over an extended period of time. It is typically served in a tall glass and often includes an alcoholic component. The origins of the idiom "long drink" can be traced back to the early 1900s in British English, primarily in the context of cocktails and mixed drinks. The idiom refers to a drink that is made with a larger amount of mixer or soda water, resulting in a larger, taller glass.
Today, the term "long drink" has expanded beyond cocktails and can encompass any type of beverage that is served in a tall glass and enjoyed slowly. This can include non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea or lemonade, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer or wine. The key characteristic of a long drink is not the specific type of beverage, but rather the way it is served and consumed.
Aside from its literal meaning as a tall, refreshing beverage, the idiom "long drink" has also taken on a figurative meaning. It is often used to describe something that provides relief or satisfaction over an extended period of time. For example, a good book or a long walk can be referred to as a long drink for the soul, emphasizing the idea that they bring lasting enjoyment.
It's important to note that idioms can have multiple interpretations or connotations depending on the context in which they are used. The flexibility of idiomatic language allows for a range of possible meanings and associations, adding depth and nuance to our everyday communication.
One related idiom is "tie one on." This phrase means to get drunk or become heavily intoxicated. While a long drink can contain alcohol, its purpose is not necessarily to encourage heavy drinking or intoxication. Instead, a long drink is meant to be savored and enjoyed over time.
Another related idiom is "hold one's drink" or "hold one's liquor." This expression means to be able to consume alcohol without becoming intoxicated or showing the effects of alcohol. While a long drink can contain alcohol, it is not necessarily meant to test someone's ability to hold their drink. Instead, a long drink is about the experience of slowly sipping and enjoying a refreshing beverage.
The idiom "prop up the bar" is also related to the concept of a long drink. This phrase means to spend a lot of time in a bar, often sitting or leaning against the bar itself. While enjoying a long drink in a bar setting is certainly possible, the idiom goes beyond the act of simply drinking. It implies a sense of leisurely enjoyment and socializing in a relaxed environment.
Finally, the expression "long in the tooth" is another idiom that can be related to a long drink. This phrase means to be old or aging. While the phrase "long drink" does not directly imply getting older, the concept of enjoying a long drink implies taking the time to savor and appreciate the experience. Similarly, getting older often brings a greater appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, such as enjoying a refreshing beverage.
A long drink is a large, refreshing beverage served in a tall glass. The term originated in the early 1900s in the context of cocktails, but has since expanded to include a wide range of beverages. It can also have a figurative meaning, describing something that provides lasting satisfaction. The related idioms "tie one on," "hold one's drink," "prop up the bar," and "long in the tooth" all have connections to the concept of a long drink, either directly or metaphorically. These idioms add depth and nuance to our understanding of the term and its broader implications.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "long drink" can be used in a sentence:
- After hours of hiking, a long drink of cold water from the stream was refreshing.
- The bartender poured a long drink of whiskey for the customer sitting at the bar.
- She reached for a long drink of lemonade to quench her thirst on a hot summer day.
More "beverage" idioms
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