clanger slang.
(ˈklæŋə(r))
[f. clang v.1 + -er1.]
A mistake, esp. one that attracts attention; a social faux pas. Phr. to drop a clanger, to make such a mistake, to ‘slip up’.
| 1948 Lawrentian (St. Lawrence Coll., Ramsgate) Easter 8 Clanger. A peculiarly heavy brick... Prefects lead the way in dropping these objects. 1958 New Statesman 29 Nov. 752/1 Mr Macmillan is the kind of Premier who enjoys covering up for any Cabinet colleague that drops a clanger. 1959 Daily Mail 3 Feb. 5/2 He wore medals—and a carnation. He said: ‘I have boobed dreadfully, old boy. Apparently a carnation with gongs is a terrible clanger.’ |