In Like Flynn

Posted by ESC on May 23, 2003

In Reply to: In Like Flynn posted by Doug on May 22, 2003

: I agree with the previous discussion group's conclusion that "In like Flynn", refers to the Hollywood actor's sexual prowess. However,I suggest it also refers to the dashing way he made an entrace: swinging in on a rope and landing with sword flashing and so forth. This site's official definition and derivation is rather wishy washy...DB

The information I have is that Errol Flynn was the reason the phrase became widespread. But it has an earlier origin.

IN LIKE FLYNN - "Chicago's 'Boss' Flynn's machine never lost an election and was always 'in office,' inspiring the expression 'in like Flynn,' meaning 'to have it made.' The popularity of actor Errol Flynn and his amorous activities helped popularize the phrase in the early 1940s." From Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997). "The Bronx machine that in the thirties under boss Ed Flynn provided the muscle behind Franklin Roosevelt's ascent to the White House (Flynn became the national party chairman)." From New York Magazine and Metro TV on the Web www.newyorkmetro.com nymetro news culture features 1398/Accessed April 7, 2003.

• In Like Flynn A. Bustillo 05/23/03
  • In Like Flynn J Stevenson 05/23/03