How's the wife?

How's the wife?

A greeting inquiring about the well-being of one's wife. Typically exchanged between men. Hey, great to see you again! And how's the wife? A: "Hi Murray, how's the wife?" B: "Oh, she's doing great—just got a promotion at work, in fact."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

How's the wife?

Inf. a phrase used by a man when inquiring about a male friend's wife. Tom: Hi, Fred, how are you? Fred: Good. And you? Tom: Great! How's the wife? Fred: Okay, and yours? Tom: Couldn't be better. Bill: Hi, Bob. How's the wife? Bob: Doing fine. How's every little thing? Bill: Great!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • the world and his wife
  • left-handed wife
  • family man
  • take to wife
  • the devil is beating his wife
  • the devil is meeting his wife
  • take a wife
  • man and wife
  • wife up
  • et ux.
References in periodicals archive
"How's it going?" "Fine." "How's the wife?" "Oh, she's dead." "What?" "I murdered her this morning." "You're kidding me on." "No, I'll show you, if you like."
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"And how's the wife?" Eventually, Fidelma said: "Look.
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The Press guy said, 'Do you mind us asking what he said to you?' I replied, 'He asked - how's the wife?' You have to have a sense of humour or you've no chance.
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Polite people do not neglect to say, "Give my best to your husband" or "How's the wife?"--casual reminders that, in the world's eyes, you're attached to somebody.
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"And how's the wife?" he'd chuckle with that ever-present twinkle in his eye.
Die laughing.. it's the only way to go
"'How's it going?' 'Fine.' 'How's the wife?' 'Oh, she's dead.' 'What?' 'I murdered her this morning.' 'You're kidding me on.' 'No, I'll show you, if you like.'
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