That old house was built four score and seven years ago.
four score and seven years ago
idiomUsed (sometimes sarcastically) to indicate that a past event being mentioned is particularly important: a long time ago; many years ago.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.Literally, “87 years ago” (score sense: “group of 20”) the beginning of the Gettysburg Address made on November 19, 1863, by United States President Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). The widespread familiarity of Lincoln’s address, the unusual and poetic wording, and its status as the first words of the speech have caused the phrase to enter the public consciousness.
My grandfather tells stories about his childhood, which feels like it happened four score and seven years ago.
The dusty archives contained records from four score and seven years ago, offering a rare glimpse into the forgotten history of the town.
- 01
be a hundred years too early
To be so immature and unprepared as to have no hope of achieving an accomplishment.
- 02
cloud seven
Often in the phrase on cloud seven: a state of bliss, elation or happiness.
- 03
dance of the seven veils
A striptease performance.
- 04
donkey's years
A long time, years and years.
- 05
even the score
To seek or obtain revenge against someone.
- 06
four sheets to the wind
Extremely drunk.
- 07
go off at score
To break suddenly into a gallop.
- 08
golden years
Old age; especially, the leisure years in later life after one has retired from employment.