bishop

as the actress said to the bishop

A humorous expression used to add a sexual connotation to an innocuous phrase. A: "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to touch you there." B: "As the actress said to the bishop!"
See also: actress, bishop, said

bash the bishop

vulgar slang To masturbate. A term only applied to men. A: "Why is he all embarrassed today?" B: "Oh, his crush walked in on him bashing the bishop. How horrifying is that?"
See also: bash, bishop

beat the bishop

vulgar slang To masturbate. A term only applied to males. A: "Why is he all embarrassed today?" B: "Oh, his crush walked in on him beating the bishop. How horrifying is that?"
See also: beat, bishop

Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?

old-fashioned A phrase used when a decanter of port wine is being shared after a meal (traditionally passed to the left), and one person has failed to continue passing it along. Primarily heard in UK. A: "So, as I was saying, Mr. Fiddlewich continued his parlay, quite unaware of—" B: "Excuse me, Barnaby? Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?" A: "No, I'm afraid I don't." B: "He's an awfully nice fellow, but he never passes the port." A: "Ah, I see. Here you are, terribly sorry."
See also: bishop, know, of

it could happen to a bishop

Anyone could experience whatever has befallen the person in question. Oh, don't worry, honey, everyone makes mistakes like that at work at some point. It could happen to a bishop.
See also: bishop, could, happen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

as the actress said to the bishop

used humorously to call attention to a sexual double entendre , especially an unintended one.
The cast of characters can be reversed without changing the meaning of the expression: as the bishop said to the actress .
2005 New Zealand Listener Some of Charles's antipodean witticisms— …‘it all became too big for me, as the actress said to the bishop’ – sounded several centuries old.
See also: actress, bishop, said
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

As the actress said to the bishop...

A phrase used to point out or emphasize that a remark had a risqué double meaning, whether or not it was intended. The phrase, first heard in Britain in the mid-20th century, contrasts a worldly actress and a very proper clergyman to whom such double meanings had to be pointed out. It also took the form of “as the bishop said to the actress,” “as the schoolmaster said to the schoolgirl,” and any number of other combinations. Mae West's repartees, such as replying to a man's saying, “I've heard so much about you” with “Yeah, but you can't prove it,” coming from almost anyone else would qualify for an “As the actress said to the bishop . . .”
See also: actress, said
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • actress
  • as the actress said to the bishop
  • As the actress said to the bishop...
  • fear no colors
  • jag
  • wack
  • whank
  • beat off
  • (Don't ask me,) I only work here.
References in classic literature
"I know, I know," Bishop Morehouse interrupted with an agonized expression on his face.
"I am afraid the Church was dumb," the Bishop confessed.
"The Church does not know." The Bishop was struggling hard.
And then, the next moment, "Pardon my sneer, Bishop. But can you wonder that we lose patience with you?
The Prior of Emmet and those that belonged to him gathered together like a flock of frightened sheep when the scent of the wolf is nigh, while the Bishop of Hereford, laying aside his book, crossed himself devoutly.
Then the Bishop of Hereford spoke hastily, "I, too, have no business here, and so will depart." And he made as though he would go.
Then at last jolly Robin turned to the Bishop of Hereford, who had been looking on at all that passed with a grim look.
Then the Bishop's cheeks grew red with rage and his eyes flashed.
"Seize him!" yelled the Bishop; "there's mischief afoot!
"Nay, that shall not be," protested the Bishop; "the banns must be cried three times in the church.
"Come here, Little John," called Robin impatiently; and plucked off the Bishop's frock from his back and put it on the yeoman.
Mr Merdle signifying that the idea should have his best attention, Bishop put another case:
Mr Merdle made a similar reply, and Bishop explained his reason for inquiring.
Bishop then betook himself up-stairs, and the other magnates gradually floated up after him until there was no one left below but Mr Merdle.
The king accompanied him to the door, where Aramis pronounced his benediction upon him, and passing through the ante-rooms, filled with soldiers, jumped into his carriage and drove to the bishop's palace.