PhrasesHub

Tommy Atkins

    Definitions

      • a generic British soldier
        Referring to any ordinary British soldier, often in a lighthearted or affectionate manner

      • a representation of the British Army
        Symbolizing the British military as a whole, often used in discussions or depictions of military matters

    Examples of Tommy Atkins

    • The sergeant barked orders at us like a drill sergeant would do with his recruits, calling out, "At ease, Tommy Atkins, this is no drill!"

      In this example, "Tommy Atkins" is being used as a euphemism to refer to a soldier, just as a drill sergeant would use this term to address his recruits. It is used to emphasize the serious and authoritative tone of the orders being given by the sergeant.

    • The team captain delivered a motivational speech before the game, saying, "Boys, we're not just representing ourselves today, but the entire Tommy Atkins regiment! Let's bring glory to our uniforms and win this one for them!"

      Here, "Tommy Atkins" is used as a symbolic representation of the soldiers who served under that regiment in the past. The team captain is asking his players to demonstrate the same dedication, discipline, and pride in their sport that soldiers in the Tommy Atkins regiment showed in their service.

    • During the battle, the lieutenant shouted to his men, "Keep your heads low, Tommy Atkins! The enemy's snipers are everywhere! We'll be heads-up when we're home!"

      In this example, "Tommy Atkins" is used to refer to the soldiers in a lighthearted and familiar way, as if they are part of a club or community. The lieutenant is reminding his men to stay focused on the danger at hand, but also reassuring them that their efforts will eventually be recognized and appreciated by their regiment when they return home.

    • The veteran soldier recounted his war experiences to the journalist, recollecting, "I've seen the good, the bad, and the Tommy Atkins in that war! But we did our duty and came out on top!"

      Here, "Tommy Atkins" is used figuratively to describe the complex and contradictory nature of the soldier's experiences in war. It implies that not everything in war is straightforward or easy to understand, but that the Tommy Atkins Regiment, like all soldiers, have shown courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

    • Tommy Atkins has a couple of tricks up his sleeve.

      This idiom means that someone has hidden abilities or skills that they have not yet revealed. In the military, Tommy Atkins was a fictional character used to represent the typical British soldier, and "tricks up his sleeve" refers to the hidden pockets in a soldier's tunic where he could conceal small items.

    • Don't count your chickens before they hatch, Tommy Atkins.

      This idiom means that one should not assume that something will happen until it actually does. It derives from the fact that a farmer cannot be certain that his chickens will hatch until they actually emerge from their eggs. Tommy Atkins is included here to add a creative touch to the example.

    • Tommy Atkins always plays it safe.

      This idiom means that someone prefers to take low risks and avoid danger. It can also be interpreted as someone who follows the rules and does not take any unnecessary risks. Tommy Atkins is added here to give the example a unique military flavor.

    • Tommy Atkins got caught with his pants down.

      This idiom means that someone was unprepared or caught in a surprising or compromising situation. It can also be interpreted as someone who was caught doing something against the rules. The origin of this idiom lies in the fact that soldiers used to leave their pants down while sleeping in order to be easily dressed in case of an emergency. When caught in a surprise attack, they would be found without their pants, metaphorically "caught with their pants down." Tommy Atkins is included here to add a significant military touch to the example.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Tommy Atkins" can be used to refer to a generic British soldier or as a representation of the British Army. It is often employed in a lighthearted or affectionate manner, and is a common term used to symbolize the British military as a whole.

    Origin of "Tommy Atkins"

    The term "Tommy Atkins" originated in the 19th century and is believed to have been derived from the combination of two popular army recruiting sergeants at the time, one named Thomas Atkins and the other Tommy. The name became a symbol for the common British soldier and was widely used during World War I and World War II. The term is still used today to refer to any ordinary British soldier and is deeply ingrained in British military history and culture. Its versatility and widespread use have made it a well-known and enduring idiom in the English language.