Posted by James Briggs on August 01, 2005
In Reply to: Context? posted by R. Berg on August 01, 2005
: : Can someone please tell me the origin of the phrase 'push the boat out'
: : Thanks
: What's the context? Is there reason to believe the phrase is used to mean anything besides pushing a boat out (into the water from the land, perhaps)?
In the UK the phrase can mean to 'to celebrate elaborately'. The Dictionary of Slang defines it as '1930+.1 To spend heavily, usu on pleasure, eating, drinking etc, often treating others. 2 to exagerate.'
Sadly, no derivation.