English

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

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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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

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