between you, (and) me, and the gatepost
(redirected from between you, me, and the gatepost)between you, (and) me, and the gatepost
What is going to be or has been said should not be told to anyone else; between us. This phrase is usually said along with information that needs to be kept secret. Primarily heard in UK. I overheard the boss talking to her secretary last night and—just between you, me, and the gatepost—she's giving the promotion to George after all. Between you and me and the gatepost, Stephanie is not as qualified for this job as she claims to be.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
between you, me and the ˈgatepost
(British English, informal) used to show that what you are going to say next is a secret: Well, between you, me and the gatepost, I heard that she’s pregnant.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
between you and me and the bedpost/gatepost/four walls/lamppost
In strictest confidence. This elaboration of just between you and me is often followed by gossip about someone else. The bedpost version dates from the early nineteenth century and was used by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (Eugene Aram, 1832: “Between you and me and the bedpost, young master has quarrelled with old master”), Dickens, and others. The lamppost version may be a little older, but is not much heard anymore.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer