John Hancock
Related to John Hancock: Samuel Adams
(one's) John Hancock
slang One's signature. John Hancock, an influential figure in the American Revolution, is known for his especially large and legible signature on the Declaration of Independence. As soon as you put your John Hancock on these papers, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! I would never have put my John Hancock on such an unfavorable contract—I think my signature was forged.
See also: Hancock, john
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
John Hancock
Also, John Henry. One's signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line. This expression alludes to John Hancock's prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for "Hancock." [Mid-1800s]
See also: Hancock, john
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
John Hancock
n. one’s signature. (Refers to the signature of John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Put your John Hancock right here, if you don’t mind.
See also: Hancock, john
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
John Hancock
One’s signature. John Hancock was the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence and did so in an exceptionally large, clear hand. Indeed, he supposedly remarked, “I guess King George will be able to read that” (July 4, 1776). In the mid-nineteenth century his name was transferred to anyone’s signature.
See also: Hancock, john
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- Hancock
- Hancocks
- (one's) John Hancock
- put (one's) John Hancock on
- henry
- one's John Henry
- (one's) John Henry
- set (one's) seal to (something)
- set one's seal on
- set your seal to