many happy returns

English

Etymology

The earliest attributable use was by Lady Newdigate in a letter written in 1789 (and published in Newdigate-Newdegate Cheverels in 1898)[1]: Many happy returns of ye day to us my Dr Love.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

many happy returns

  1. (idiomatic) A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!

Translations

References

  1. ^ http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/244300.html
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