all Sir Garnet

English

WOTD – 25 March 2016

A photographic portrait of Sir Garnet Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, a general in the British Army from whose name the expression is derived

Etymology

From Sir Garnet Wolseley (1833–1913), a popular and successful general in the British Army during the second half of the 19th century.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɔːl sɜː(ɹ) ˈɡɑː(ɹ)nət/
• Hyphenation: all Sir Gar‧net

Adjective

all Sir Garnet

1. (British, slang, dated) In order; perfect.
   • 1905, Longman's Magazine, volume 46, page 152:

     Righto; that’s all Sir Garnet. I like to see you civvies act up to your name.

   • 1907, The Lone Hand, volume 2, page 554:

     Yes, Harry was all Sir Garnet on handles: butt-end loaded with lead, inlaid in all sorts of fancy-work — hearts, shamrocks, monograms and that sort of thing.

   • 1913, Compton Mackenzie, Youth's Encounter, Bell & Cockburn:

     “That’s all Sir Garnet, and don’t you make no mistake. Don’t you — make no mistake.” Here Mrs. Frith gave a very loud hiccup and waved her arms and did not even say “beg pardon” for the offensive noise.

Synonyms

• A-okay, shipshape and Bristol fashion