# kiss the gunner's daughter

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/kiss-the-gunners-daughter
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be flogged or beaten while restrained over a cannon.

## Examples

- The sailor feared he would have to kiss the gunner's daughter.
- After the mutiny failed, the captain ordered the crew to kiss the gunner's daughter as punishment.
- In the harsh days of the old navy, a sailor who broke the rules often found himself forced to kiss the gunner's daughter before the entire ship's company.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.