up goes the donkey
English edit
Etymology edit
Said to have originated from a travelling showman whose finale involved the hoisting of a donkey on a pole or ladder.
Phrase edit
- (obsolete) The performance begins.
Usage notes edit
- Used in conjunction with a required amount, to encourage the public to pay more money before the start of a show: e.g. "Twopence more, and up goes the donkey!"
References edit
- 1873, John Camden Hotten, The Slang Dictionary (under donkey)