Fall off the back of a lorry

Definitions

• something is stolen, usually of low value
  Describe an item that was likely obtained through illegal means, such as theft or smuggling, and is of little monetary or sentimental value

• something is cheap or of poor quality
  Refer to an item that is of low quality or value, often implying that it was not acquired through legitimate means and may not function as expected

• to be easily deceived or fooled
  Indicate that someone is gullible or easily tricked, often in relation to buying or accepting items that are not genuine or worth the price

• to be easily obtained or acquired
  Refer to something that is readily available or easily obtained, often implying that it is not of high value or may not be legally acquired

Examples of Fall off the back of a lorry

• The stolen goods were found in an abandoned warehouse, and the police suspect that they fell off the back of a lorry during transport.

  This idiom is used to describe something that has been lost or disappeared mysteriously, as if it has fallen off the back of a lorry (truck) during transportation. It implies that the loss is unexplained and suspicious.

• After the concert, the singer's guitar was nowhere to be found. Some people speculated that it fell off the back of a lorry on the way to the next show.

  In this example, the idiom is used to suggest that the guitar may have been stolen or lost during transportation, but the exact circumstances are unknown.

• The stolen car was found abandoned in a remote area, and the police believe it fell off the back of a lorry during transport.

  This example is similar to the first, but with a different item being lost. The idiom is still used to describe an unexplained loss during transportation.

• The thief was caught red-handed trying to sell the stolen goods, but he claimed that they fell off the back of a lorry during transport.

  In this example, the idiom is used to describe a false excuse given by the thief to explain the origin of the stolen goods. It implies that the excuse is unlikely to be true.

• The lost wallet was found in a nearby alley, and some people speculated that it fell off the back of a lorry during transport.

  This example is similar to the previous ones, but with a different item being lost. The idiom is still used to suggest that the wallet may have been stolen or lost during transportation, but the exact circumstances are unknown.

Conclusion

The idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" is often used to describe something that is obtained through illegal or questionable means, such as theft or smuggling, and is of little value. It can also be used to refer to something that is of low quality or easily deceived, and may not be genuine or worth the price. Additionally, it can be used to describe something that is easily obtained or acquired, often implying that it is not of high value or may not be legally acquired.

Origin of "Fall off the back of a lorry"

The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the UK in the early 20th century, when it was common for goods to be transported by lorries (trucks). During this time, there were many cases of stolen goods being sold on the black market, and it was rumored that these goods would "fall off the back of a lorry" during transportation. This became a euphemism for stolen goods, and the idiom eventually evolved to have a broader meaning of anything that was obtained illegally or of low value.

Some also believe that the idiom may have originated from actual incidents of goods falling off the back of lorries during transportation, leading to them being sold at a lower price or being easily acquired by those who were willing to take advantage of the situation. This could explain the usage of the idiom to describe something that is easily obtained or acquired.

Overall, the idiom "fall off the back of a lorry" has evolved to encompass various meanings related to obtaining something through illegal or questionable means, and it continues to be used in both British and American English to this day.