put that in your pipe and smoke it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put that in your pipe and smoke it’ mean?
The idiom "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is used to dismiss someone's argument or opinion, implying that they should accept or deal with a particular fact or situation that may not be in their favor.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shove it up your ass" is an offensive slang expression used to dismiss or reject something angrily, often to show contempt or anger towards the person or idea being referred to.
The idiom "sell down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain or to avoid trouble, by putting them in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, often without their knowledge or consent.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "save one's breath" means to not waste one's time and effort in trying to convince or persuade someone who is unlikely to change their opinion or beliefs.
"Save it" is an idiom that means to stop talking or expressing an opinion, usually because the speaker's point is not wanted or considered relevant by the listener.
An idiom that refers to the spreading of false information or gossip about someone or something, often with the intention of damaging their reputation.
The idiom "rule in" means to include or consider something as being possible or valid. It is often used when discussing options or factors and deciding whether they should be taken into account.
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
FAIL
The idiom "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is a popular expression in American English. It conveys the idea of accepting or considering a proposition or statement that may be unpalatable or difficult to accept. While its exact origin is uncertain, there are several theories that attempt to explain its meaning and usage.
One theory suggests that the phrase may have its roots in the practice of smoking tobacco in a pipe. Smoking a pipe requires patience and time, as the tobacco must be lit and slowly burned to release the desired flavors and aromas. Therefore, telling someone to "put that in your pipe and smoke it" may imply that they should take the time to consider or reflect upon the information being presented, even if it is initially disagreeable or hard to swallow.
Another theory proposes that the idiom may be derived from the practice of smoking opium in a pipe. Opium smoking was popular in the 19th century, particularly in China and later in Western countries. It was seen as a form of relaxation and escape from reality. In this context, telling someone to "put that in your pipe and smoke it" could imply that they should find solace or distraction in the given information, regardless of whether they agree with it or not.
Furthermore, some researchers suggest that the idiom may have its origins in British English. In the 19th century, the phrase "put that in your pipe and smoke it" was often used in legal settings as a way of asserting one's point of view and challenging opposing arguments. This usage may have crossed over into American English and become a widely recognized idiom.
In contemporary usage, "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is often employed as a retort or response to someone who expresses doubt, skepticism, or disagreement. By using this idiom, the speaker is asserting their position and challenging the other person to accept or acknowledge it, even if they find it unpleasant or inconvenient. It can also be used humorously or playfully to emphasize a point or express confidence in one's position.
The idiom "shove it up your ass" is a related expression that conveys a similar sentiment, but in a more aggressive and vulgar manner. It is used to forcefully dismiss or reject someone's opinion or request, implying that the speaker believes it to be completely irrelevant or ridiculous. While "put that in your pipe and smoke it" encourages contemplation and acceptance, "shove it up your ass" dismisses the idea outright.
An additional related idiom, "pipe down," means to be quiet or stop talking. The phrase "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is unrelated to "pipe down" in terms of meaning, but they both include the word "pipe." While "put that in your pipe and smoke it" encourages reflection, "pipe down" tells someone to be silent or stop talking altogether.
Overall, the idiom "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is a fascinating example of figurative language. Its exact origins may remain uncertain, but its meaning and usage have become firmly embedded in American English. Whether originating from the act of smoking tobacco, opium, or legal assertiveness, the idiom serves as a reminder of the complexity and flexibility of language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "put that in your pipe and smoke it" can be used in a sentence:
- After proving everyone wrong with his success, John said, "I did it my way, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!"
- When arguing with his friend, Mark confidently stated, "I am the best, and you can put that in your pipe and smoke it!"
- After receiving criticism for her unconventional methods, the artist replied, "I create art that challenges boundaries, and you can put that in your pipe and smoke it!"
The phrase "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is typically used to assertively convey the idea that the speaker's statement or action is definitive, and others should accept it without question or argument. It is a figurative expression suggesting that the listener should take the information given and accept it as a given fact, even if they may not agree or understand it fully. The phrase is often used in a confrontational or assertive manner to make a strong point or claim.
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