phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Discussion Forum

- We are also on

A Phrase A Week - Facebook Group & Follow aphraseaweek on Twitter

Re: Throw the rattle out of the pram

Posted by Gary Martin on April 10, 2009 at 13:16

In Reply to: Throw the rattle out of the pram posted by Paul Burns on April 10, 2009 at 13:08:

: I would be interested to know the earliest know use of "throw his rattle out of the pram" (or similar), meaning to get excited or angry.

I've found a usage dating from 1995. I don't know where it originated but, if I had to guess, I'd guess Australia. 'Spit the dummy' appears to be a precursor and that is Australian.