how do you like them apples

English

Etymology

Unknown.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

how do you like them apples?

1. (colloquial, rhetorical question) Question directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing or making light of the situation.

   "Our governor has just vetoed a bill that would offer more money to our schools. How do you like them apples?"

2. (colloquial, rhetorical question, Ireland, US) Used after an actual or proposed action with which the listener might be displeased, and also used after refuting an argument.

   "I can't give you a raise now; if I did, this whole company would go bankrupt, and you wouldn't have a job at all. Now how do you like them apples?"

Alternative forms

• how about them apples?

See also

• how do you like that?
• put that in your pipe and smoke it