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get one's shine box

idiom
Meaning

Used as an insult.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

Popularized by the movie Goodfellas (1990), where the character William "Billy Batts" Bentvena uses the phrase in an insulting allusion to Tommy DeVito's previous job as a shoeshiner.

Examples
SIMPLE

Go get your shine box and stop bothering me.

CONTEXTUAL

He told the rude stranger to go get his shine box instead of acting like he was in charge.

COMPLEX

The veteran gangster dismissed the young man with a sharp command to go get his shine box, effectively putting him in his place.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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