a rod in pickle
a rod in pickle
obsolete A punishment or retaliation kept in store for future use. The prime minister insisted that Britain had a rod in pickle for any nation that dared encroach upon its sovereign borders. You lot aren't allowed to go into town without your Mum or me—and we've got a rod in pickle for anyone who defies us! I have a rod in pickle for misbehaving students like you, Jon!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a rod in pickle
a punishment in store. In pickle means ‘preserved ready for future use’. This form, which dates from the mid 17th century, has superseded an earlier mid 16th-century variant a rod in piss .
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
References in classic literature
"Because we've got
a rod in pickle for those cursed pirates--"
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc
Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.