George Burns
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What's the origin of the phrase 'Many happy returns'? Since the 18th century this has been used as a salutation to offer the hope that a happy day being marked would recur many more times. It is now primarily used on birthdays; prior to the mid 19th century it was used more generally, at any celebratory or festive event.
Mar 18, 2022 · The meaning of (MANY) HAPPY RETURNS is —used for wishing someone a happy birthday and to express the hope that he or she will live to celebrate many more birthdays in the future.
You probably will have many, many happy returns of the day, and confound all of us who think bloated capitalists are doomed to early graves.
Also, many happy returns of the day. Happy birthday and many more of them, as in I came by to wish you many happy returns. This expression was first recorded in a letter of 1779 where the writer meant "Happy New Year," but the present meaning has persisted since the second half of the 1800s.
Idioms. Many happy returns meaning. What does the saying 'Many happy returns' mean? Idiom: Many happy returns. Meaning: This expression is used to wish someone a happy birthday. Country: International English | Subject Area: General | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
While “many happy returns” may sound like a positive wish, it actually originated from an old English custom of returning gifts on one’s birthday. Therefore, the correct usage of this idiom is to say “I hope you have many happy returns of the day”, which means wishing the person many more birthdays filled with joy and prosperity.
You can use "Many happy returns" to wish someone a happy birthday. It is a warm and friendly expression commonly used in birthday greetings. For example, you might say, 'I called my friend to wish her "many happy returns" on her special day.'
