Idioms

garter

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have (one's) guts for garters

To thoroughly and intensely punish, rebuke, scold, or berate one. Primarily heard in UK. My parents said they'd have my guts for garters if I took the car again without permission. The boss is quick to have your for garters if you make even a minor mistake. Ooh, Dad is gonna have your guts for garters when he finds out you lied to him!
See also: for, garter, gut, have

hempen garter

obsolete euphemism A noose used to hang someone. "Hempen" means of or like hemp, a fiber used to make rope. The hangman stood holding aloft the hempen garter as the prisoner was led into the yard. It was a chilling sight. You'll be wearing a hempen garter for sure if you get caught. People have been executed for crimes far less serious than what you're planning. The ruthless king never hesitated to make his critics don the hempen garter.
See also: garter, hempen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

have someone's guts for garters

punish or rebuke someone severely. informal
See also: for, garter, gut, have
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

have somebody’s ˌguts for ˈgarters

(British English, informal) be very angry with somebody and punish them severely for something they have done: She’d have my guts for garters if she knew I’d lent you her car.
See also: for, garter, gut, have
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive
Queen Maxima, left, at Royal Ascot and Queen Letizia at the Garter Service
Dark-eyed Juncos are rarely noted as prey for garter snakes.
"So sell your lacy garter if you must, but can't you also feature kick-ass women and girls of all ages in kit and clothing that they can play the game in?
The appointment of Knights of the Garter is in the Queen's gift and is made without consulting ministers.
"You wanted to portray yourself as being some sort of heavyweight thug, and you made threats to members of the door staff at the Star & Garter before you made off.
Work in garter st for 11 rows, ending with a WS row.
The Green and Yellow Garter Bands are members of the Oregon Marching Band who are known for their performances at volleyball and women's basketball games.
"It was very kind of "It was very kind of you and I hadn't found a garter yet, so thanks ever so much.
Trigg, Stephanie, Shame and Honor: A Vulgar History of the Order of the Garter, Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2012; cloth; pp.
Even as the body-boat let down its gangplank for the germs the garter
Now Charlotte Church has been cast as Polly Garter in a film version of Dylan Thomas' "play for voices" which will star Rhys Ifans as First Voice.
THE pageboy who fainted during the Queen's speech returned to public duties during the Order of the Garter ceremony - and gave a faultless performance.
According to Larry Garter, Managing Director of Laurence Consulting, “Our aim is provide a clear roadmap and plan, for when and how to implement the appropriate actions, dealing pro-actively to maximize cash flow and understand borrowing, and mitigate other issues, and explore ways to increase sales even in the face of this.”
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