ENGLISH
REFERENCE

many happy returns

idiom
Meaning

A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!


Origin

first recorded 18th c.

The earliest attributable use was by Lady Newdigate in a letter written in 1789 (and published in Newdigate-Newdegate Cheverels in 1898): Many happy returns of ye day to us my Dr Love.

Examples
SIMPLE

Many happy returns on your birthday today.

CONTEXTUAL

I sent a card to my aunt to wish her many happy returns on her birthday.

COMPLEX

As the family gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday, they raised their glasses and wished her many happy returns.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    diminishing returns

    A condition in which additional inputs into an organization, project or process produce progressively fewer or lower-quality additional outputs, and may, in extreme cases, cause the total quantity or quality of outputs to decrease.

  2. 02

    happy as a pig in mud

    Very happy or content.

  3. 03

    happy as a pig in shit

    Extremely happy; obviously satisfied and carefree.

  4. 04

    happy chappy

    A person, usually a young boy or teenager, who is particularly happy.

  5. 05

    happy landings

    Successful outcome or outcomes.

  6. 06

    happy medium

    A balanced position between two opposite extremes.

  7. 07

    happy panda

    A person who is happy and contented.

  8. 08

    happy place

    A mental visualization of a pleasant location, performed in order to avoid thinking or dealing with something unpleasant or painful.

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