Re: "In
like Flynn(e)" derivation
Posted by bob
on October 28, 2002 In Reply to: Re: "In like
Flynn(e)" derivation posted by R. Berg on October 28, 2002
: : "In like Flynn" as opposed to "In like Flynne"
: : In Australia the phrase
"In like Flynn" seems to be used to denote that one is well accepted into a particular
group or culture or that one is safe or secure or that something is deeply and
securely imbedded.
: : The phrase seems to be linked to a famous Australian
Presbyterian Clergyman and Missionary, the Very Reverend John Flynn (1880 to 1951).
His fame is based on his work and involvement in developing the Royal Flying Doctor
Service and the "Pedal Radio" in the late 1920's and early 1930's.
: : His base
of operations for much of his ministry was at (Australian Inland Mission) Alice
Springs in Central Australia.
: : John Flynn became a legend in his own life
time and was widely known as "Flynn of the Inland"
: : Because the town of Alice
Springs is so geographically centrally located in Australia it is generally deemed
not possible to get any further into the interior.
: : Hence the phrase "in
like Flynn" in an Australian context.
: It would be interesting to know the
source for this information. Eric Partridge ("A Dictionary of Catch Phrases,"
rev. ed., 1985) says of the same phrase that it "has two independent usages, the
US and the Aus., although with much the same meaning." He says the original Flynn
for the phrase as used in the US was Ed Flynn, a Democratic Party political boss
in the Bronx; for the Aus. phrase, it was the actor Errol Flynn.
Ooh. This deserves
extra investigation. Errol Flynn was a famous, um, well, swordsman, and being
"in" related to his success with seducing women. Hearsay - it's what I heard,
and heard from people who read his biography. More investigation, please.
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