many happy returns

many happy returns

I wish you a very happy birthday and many more in the future. Hey Jack, many happy returns! Are you going to do anything special to celebrate the occasion?
See also: happy, many, return
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

many happy returns

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.
See also: happy, many, return
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

many happy reˈturns (of the ˈday)

used to wish somebody a happy and pleasant birthday: Here’s your present. Many happy returns!
See also: happy, many, return
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • many happy returns of the day
  • be
  • the happy day
  • the disease to please
  • disease to please
  • happy days
  • cut back to
  • cut back to (someone or something)
  • bunny
  • happy as the day is long
References in periodicals archive
"Many happy returns bro may the wicket list continue to grow just like your hair Have a great day @ImIshant" while Hardik wrote, "Many happy returns of the day to the 'towering' presence of Indian cricket, @ImIshant.
Wishes pour in for Ishant Sharma as he turns 29
He also prayed God for Tunisia's people and all the Muslim peoples to live through many happy returns in progress and prosperity.
Eid El Idha set for next Tuesday, November 16, 2010
FLAVIO SARETTA didn't have many happy returns as he tumbled out of his debut Wimbledon tournament on his 22nd birthday.
TENNIS: FLAV DOWN IN DUMPS
MANY HAPPY RETURNS! Manager Ellen Humphrey (left) with Kelly Brown (with cake) and staff at the British Heart shop.
Double celebration for charity
They exchanged congratulations and good wishes on Eid Al-Adha, wishing their countries and peoples, the Arab and Islamic nations many happy returns of the occasion.
HRH Premier exchanges Eid greetings
The Mufti of the Republic extends to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali his best wishes, praying Almighty God for many happy returns to him, to his wife, Mrs.
Eid el-Fitr on Friday, September 10, 2010
Blues put together a series of video greetings from staff and players wishing their boss many happy returns in Chinese.
Birthday greeting Dann and dusted
IT was a case of many happy returns for former toddlers of Court Hey Nursery in Huyton.
10th birthday for nursery
So, many happy returns, Taurus, and here are my predictions.
WE LOVE TELLY!: SOAPWATCH EMMERDALE ITV1, 7pm
Then, to mark the fact she has been a tenant of Warwick District Council for more than 40 years, head of housing Derrick Dyas and chairman of the housing committee, Peter Byrd, called in to wish her many happy returns.
Treat for ton-up granny
The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Fitr congratulations and good wishes, wishing the Bahraini and Egyptian peoples, as well as the Arab and Muslim nations many happy returns marking the occasion.
HM King holds calls with Egyptian president, Prince Mohammed bin Fahad
Leila Ben Ali, praying the Almighty for many happy returns to all members of the Tunisian society and the Islamic Ummah, in greater successes, progress, security and prosperity.
Friday, first day of Muharram month of the New Hegira Year (1431)