Have your guts for garters

Definitions

• threaten someone
  To express extreme anger or irritation and to warn someone of severe consequences if they continue with their behavior

• intimidate someone
  To frighten or bully someone by making them feel nervous or scared

• punish someone
  To indicate a strong desire to retaliate or seek revenge on someone for their actions

Examples of Have your guts for garters

• In a high-stakes negotiation, the CEO stepped into the boardroom with his chest puffed out, ready to defend his company's interests. As the tension escalated, he declared boldly, "We're not backing down. Have your guts for garters, because we're going to win this deal!"

  This idiom is used to encourage someone to be brave and confident in a challenging situation. The phrase "guts for garters" is a dialectical variant of "bowels for brawn," which dates back to the 18th century. In the past, men who wished to appear more masculine would wear their trousers with a drawstring around the waist, leaving their underwear (garters) exposed. It was believed that men with large guts (intestines) had more testosterone and were therefore more macho. The idiom, therefore, suggests that being fearless requires the same level of inner strength as having large intestines.

Conclusion

The idiom "have your guts for garters" is used to threaten, intimidate, or express a strong desire to punish someone for their behavior. It is a vivid and forceful way of conveying extreme anger or irritation and warning of severe consequences.

This idiom is not commonly used in everyday language but may be employed in situations of intense frustration or anger. It conveys a strong sense of displeasure and a clear warning of potential retaliation.

Origin of "Have your guts for garters"

The origin of the idiom "have your guts for garters" is thought to date back to the 17th century, during a time when garters were commonly worn to hold up stockings. The phrase likely originated as a vivid and graphic threat, using the image of someone's intestines being used to make garters as a way of expressing extreme anger or a desire for revenge.

The use of this idiom reflects a historical context in which graphic and violent language was more commonly employed to convey strong emotions and intentions. While the specific origins of the idiom may be unclear, its use as a threat or warning is a testament to its vivid and forceful imagery. Examples of the idiom's usage can be found in literature and historical texts from the time period, showcasing its enduring impact on language and communication.