down the banks

English

Unknown. Probably of Irish origin.

five conjectural etymologies

(slang, dated, Ireland, Liverpudlian) a severe criticism, scolding, reprimand, or punishment
- 1855, Albany Register, "An Independent Voter" (reprinted in Supplement to the Connecticut Courant, v.20 no.27 p.211):
  Independent woters ain't the chalk—and the K. Ns. has done it!— They've spiled the trade. Sam's done it—Amerikins has done it! Take 'em up for interfeerin' with other people's bisness. Give 'em down the banks; send em up ninety days ; give em that,"—and he struck straight out at an imaginary head, with a force that sent him with a lurch across the sidewalk, up against the side of the buildings.
- 2009 (October 1), Wexford Echo, "Little Angel Davina’s massive legacy in €25,000 fundraiser"
  In a time in Ireland when politicians and public representatives and others are getting down the banks (if you’ll pardon the pun), a special word of gratitude goes to TD John Browne and Enniscorthy Town Councillor Keith Doyle for their support.

(slang, obsolete, New York) in prison
- 1852 (April), "Flavul", The Knickerbocker, v.39 p.336; "Transcripts from the docket of a late Sheriff of New-York":
  Mr. Heberton Fitzjames was (and, if he has not gone 'down the banks,' is) a gentleman such as we frequently see at the watering-places ; a leader of the select parties there congregated. ... I became acquainted with Fitzjames in my way of making new friends. I had professional engagements with him, and from the name of 'the plaintiff,' I concluded it grew out of a sporting debt. Ah, Heberton, in that you were nearly gone 'down the banks !'
- 1855, Albany Register, "An Independent Voter" (reprinted in Supplement to the Connecticut Courant, v.20 no.27 p.211):
  A independent woter ain't the cheese any longer. ... The Stars is out in all kinds o' weather, and if they shines on a feller when he's got half a dozen glasses on board, the Watch-us', Squire Cole, and ten days down the banks, is the word!