English Explanatory Dictionary

straight shirttail

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A very hurried journey or movement, especially in return to a previous location; a dash.

Word forms

straight shirttail straight shirttails straight shirt-tail straight shirt tail

Etymology

Alluding to shirttails, which were formerly commonly worn by gentlemen. When someone would break into a run, they would rise into the air; hence, one might make "straight shirttails" when moving so fast that the shirttails become horizontal.

Related words

hightail skedaddle
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