do you know the Bishop of Norwich

English edit

Etymology edit

Traditionally, after a vintage port has been decanted, the decanter is passed clockwise around the table until everyone has poured some. If the decanter should stall en route, it is considered poor etiquette to ask for it directly, so one must request it in a roundabout way:

— Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?
— No.
— He's a terribly good chap, but he always forgets to pass the port.[1]

Phrase edit

do you know the Bishop of Norwich

  1. (UK, wine) Can you pass the port, please?

References edit

  1. ^ Harry Wallop (2009 September 26) “Pass the port: Why do you pass to the left”, in The Telegraph[1], retrieved 15 April 2019.