papa

come to papa

1. An entreaty or encouragement—typically jocular—for something or someone to approach. Usually said by a man. "That's it, come to papa," I said to myself as the suspects neared our undercover camera. It's immature, I know, but I can't help but whisper "come to papa" every time the ATM dispenses my cash. "Come to papa," I murmured as the feral cat finally went into our trap.
2. An entreaty by gamblers for good fortune, especially when throwing dice. Usually said by a man. I need a seven on this roll—come to papa! Come on, number nine! Come to papa! If I roll a two, I walk out of here with $30,000. Come to papa!
See also: come, papa, to

mama's baby, papa's maybe

colloquial It is typically easy to know who a baby's biological mother is, while the father is not always known for sure. Primarily heard in US. But how can you know he's your kid unless you take a paternity test? After all, mama's baby, papa's maybe.
See also: maybe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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