Buckley's Austral. and N.Z. colloq.
(ˈbʌklɪz)
[Of uncertain origin.]
In full Buckley's chance (or Buckley's hope, etc.): a forlorn hope, no chance at all.
| 1898 Bulletin (Sydney) 17 Dec. 31/2 ‘Devil shoot me!’ muttered Tim..‘if I see Buckley's chance of a shindy tonight.’ 1903 ‘T. Collins’ Such is Life 339 His show is little better than Buckley's. 1916 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentim. Bloke (1916) 118 Buckley's (chance), a forlorn hope. 1918 ― Digger Smith 81 Doreen an' ole Mar Flood 'as got a scheme... But they've got Buckley's, as I tells me wife. 1934 Bulletin (Sydney) 2 May 25/1 He was especially sure..that the tourists had Buckley's hope of winning a Test. 1948 V. Palmer Golconda xiii. 103 Buckley's chance we have of getting our price if we're left to face the companies alone. 1955 D. Niland Shiralee 216 You reckon I haven't got Buckley's? |