phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Red-headed stepchild.

Posted by Bob on August 22, 2000

In Reply to: Red-headed stepchild. posted by ESC on August 22, 2000

: : What does this mean?

: A stepchild might be singled out for abuse. But a red-headed stepchild (who presumably looks like his or her absent birth-parent) might be abused even more because he or she is so obviously different from the other children.

: The expression I have heard is, "I'm going to beat you like a red-headed stepchild."

: Sad, isn't it?

Only slightly more humane is: "beat you like a rented mule."

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.