Reilly


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blimey O'Reilly

An expression of surprise. Primarily heard in UK. Blimey O'Reilly, I didn't think anyone was in here! Sorry about that. You two are sisters? Blimey O'Reilly, I had no idea. Blimey O'Reilly, I haven't seen you in ages!
See also: blimey

lead the life of Reilly

To live a life of great ease, comfort, or luxury. The phrase is likely of early 20th-century Irish-American origin, but to whom Reilly refers is uncertain. Pampered from a young age after his father came into sudden wealth, Jonathan led the life of Reilly compared to the hardships his older siblings faced.
See also: lead, life, of, Reilly

live a life of Reilly

To lead a life of great ease, comfort, or luxury. The phrase is likely of early 20th-century Irish-American origin, but to whom Reilly refers is uncertain. Pampered from a young age after his father came into sudden wealth, Jonathan lived a life of Reilly compared to the hardships his older siblings faced.
See also: life, live, of, Reilly

live the life of Reilly

To lead a life of great ease, comfort, or luxury. The phrase is likely of early 20th-century Irish-American origin, but to whom Reilly refers is uncertain. Pampered from a young age after his father came into sudden wealth, Jonathan lived the life of Reilly compared to the hardships his older siblings faced.
See also: life, live, of, Reilly

the life of Reilly

A life of great ease, comfort, or luxury, used especially in the phrase "lead/live the life of Reilly." The phrase is likely of early 20th-century Irish-American origin, but to whom Reilly refers is uncertain. Pampered from a young age after his father came into sudden wealth, Jonathan led the life of Reilly compared to the hardships his older siblings faced.
See also: life, of, Reilly
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

life of Riley

Also, life of Reilly. An easy life, as in Peter had enough money to take off the rest of the year and live the life of Riley. This phrase originated in a popular song of the 1880s, "Is That Mr. Reilly?" by Pat Rooney, which described what its hero would do if he suddenly came into a fortune.
See also: life, of, riley
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

lead/live the life of Reilly/ˈRiley

(informal) have a comfortable and enjoyable life without any worries: He inherited a lot of money and since then he’s been living the life of Riley.
See also: lead, life, live, of, Reilly, riley
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

life of Reilly, leading/living the

Living a life of luxury. There are several theories as to the precise origin of this term and the identity of Reilly (or Riley). The earliest attribution is to a comic song, “Is That Mr. Reilly?” popularized by vaudevillian Pat Rooney in America in the 1880s and describing what Reilly would do if he struck it rich. However, H. L. Mencken said it came from another source, “The Best in the House Is None Too Good for Reilly,” by Lawlor and Blake, popular about 1900. Though the original Reilly is no longer known, the cliché survives.
See also: leading, life, living, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in classic literature ?
"I'll see Reilly the lawyer and take the defense upon myself.
View in context
The Office of Lawyer Regulation in June charged the Milwaukee attorney Richard Reilly of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown with five allegations of misconduct stemming from his representation of two clients in divorce cases in Ozaukee and Waukesha counties.
Referee recommends 60-day suspension for Milwaukee attorney
LAST year a TV documentary named James Francis Gavin and another man, Michael Patrick Reilly, as prime suspects in the bombings.
Documentary named 'prime suspects'
Nicky Reilly, 30, was jailed for life in 2009 over his plot to detonate home-made bombs inside busy family restaurant Giraffe.
Terrorist found dead in prison cell 'did not mean to kill himself'
Convicted robber John Reilly demanded a turn on a pool table when Esmael Elmarghani was playing a game in June last year.
Prisoner's shocking racist attack; NEWS WIRE
James Reilly, 25, of Tyddyn Pwrpas, Newborough, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent at the village, was jailed for five years for the attack.
thug's brutal attack left epileptic victim unconscious in road; 25-year-old jailed for five years
Walter Mitty crook James Reilly - who once claimed he was an elite commando - died on Sunday night at his home in Fife.
PS60k CONMAN DIES; Crook claimed that he was a commando and duped old soldiers
AMESBURY, Mass: CEO of The Provident Bank Dave Mansfield announced the addition of Joe Reilly to The Provident Bank and Provident Bancorp, Inc.
The Provident Bank adds Joe Reilly to Board of Directors
Dean Bradley, 24, and 20-year-old Jason, were unanimously convicted of killing Neil Reilly following more than nine hours of deliberations, while their father was acquitted of the crime.
Tears in court as 2 brothers found guilty of murder and dad cleared; GUNMAN MOWED DOWN AND BEATATEN TO DEATH; Court told victim targeted killers' home over [euro]9k 'drug debt'
Ike Reilly ('80, known as Mike Reilly in high school) and Matt Foley ('81) were top LHS athletes, college rugby teammates, very successful in their careers, and lifelong friends.
Ike Reilly and Matt Foley, LHS athletic stars, lifelong friends -BYLN- By Dale Eggert on behalf of Libertyville High School
Luke Reilly was jailed for two years at Birmingham Crown Court in March after he admitted having a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Man constructed sub-machine gun to shoot himself
LITTLE Reilly Stephenson has been inundated with birthday party invites since his dad's message to people who exclude his son went viral.
Reilly has his pick of the parties after world reaches out; DAD'S FIERY MESSAGE TO FRIENDS STRUCK A CHORD
MEET Reilly - he's funny, loving and all-round "awesome", his mum says - but he's never been invited to a birthday party.
The real life of Reilly
Burlington, VT, May 10, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Reilly's HEMPVET Hemp-Based Nutritional Supplements Close Financial Backing and Expand National Distribution Network.
Reilly's HEMPVET Cannabis Supplements for Pets Secures National Distribution and Closes on Investment
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